Expanding Frontiers Leaders Help Call for a New Era of Space-Based Astronomy

It is time to take astronomy off Earth

Members of the Expanding Frontiers community have co-authored a new opinion piece in SpaceNews titled “It is time to take astronomy off Earth.” The article appears in the February 2026 issue and lists Fredrick Jenet, Teviet Creighton, Hoyt Davidson, Grant Hendrickson, Alma Miller, Volker Quetschke, Dale Skran, and Paul Wunderl as authors.

We extend our warmest congratulations to all of the authors, especially our Executive Director, Dr. Fredrick Jenet, and our COO, Alma Miller, for this publication and for the recognition it brings to their work as well as to Expanding Frontiers.

The article describes a growing tension in Earth’s skies. Satellite constellations continue to expand. Astronomers raise concerns about streaks across images, interference with radio telescopes, loss of dark, quiet skies. Commercial operators highlight the economic, scientific, and security value of new space infrastructure. Both activities support important human goals yet often appear to be on a collision course.

Illustration of the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Credit: NASA/CXC & J. Vaughan

The authors argue that this conflict does not need to define the future. A large fraction of astronomy can move off Earth into space-based observatories. Platforms in orbit avoid light pollution plus atmospheric distortion. They open new wavelength ranges and observing strategies that remain impossible from the ground. Commercial launch services, on-orbit operations, emerging in-space manufacturing create a foundation that makes such observatories more feasible. Astronomers gain cleaner data plus new capabilities. Commercial space gains steady demand for high-value missions. Society benefits from advanced science alongside robust space infrastructure.

This op-ed highlights the need for coordination among astronomers, satellite operators, policy makers. It calls for practical steps that protect scientific discovery while supporting sustainable growth of commercial space activity.

Expanding Frontiers celebrates this contribution. We congratulate our Executive Director, Dr. Fredrick Jenet, our COO, Alma Miller, and their co-authors for helping shape a focused, solutions-oriented conversation about humanity’s future in space.

Read the full article on SpaceNews:
https://spacenews.com/it-is-time-to-take-astronomy-off-earth/