Dr Langston will be participating in the UN/SKAO Workshop on Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society 2025.

In 2024, the COPUOS Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) added “Dark and Quiet Skies, Astronomy and Large Constellations” to its agenda for 2025–2029, following UNOOSA’s ongoing collaboration with Member States, the astronomy community (including SKAO), and the space sector to promote awareness of and value of preserving dark and quiet skies. This workshop—co-hosted by UNOOSA and the Square Kilometre Array Observatory—will review efforts by astronomers, satellite operators, and manufacturers to mitigate satellite impacts on astronomy, including optical interference from low-Earth orbit satellites and radio-frequency disruptions. It will also address advancements in prediction and measurement tools, and examine relevant legal and regulatory considerations. Workshop participants include astronomers, satellite industry stakeholders, and diplomats with roles in preparing technical and legal inputs for COPUOS.