Starlink's network growth triggers astronomy concerns and booms in Croatia

The European Southern Observatory warned that the rapid increase in Starlink satellites – 10,400 in orbit last month – is creating significant light‑pollution that can diminish the field of view of major telescopes. The VLT in Chile could lose up to 28 % of its observable sky, and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory may see many of its exposures ruined for hours each night. ESO director Olivier Hainaut said, "Satellites, which reflect the Sun, are much brighter than distant galaxies," and the agency proposes a limit of 100,000 minimally visible satellites to mitigate damage.

In Croatia, Starlink connections surged from 4,551 to 17,735 in the first quarter of 2026, a 289.7 % increase, representing 1.48 % of fixed broadband subscriptions. Revenue from the service reached €1.74 million in the quarter. Despite the growth, the satellite service remains a niche, facing competition from expanding fiber‑optic networks and 5G mobile broadband, which already cover the majority of households.

The contrasting developments highlight both the scientific concerns over an ever‑denser low‑Earth‑orbit constellation and the commercial expansion of satellite internet in a market where terrestrial alternatives are rapidly improving.