Protecting Dark and Quiet Skies from Satellite Interference: Challenges and Mitigation Efforts

The rapid deployment of satellite megaconstellations is fundamentally changing the sky, posing a growing challenge to both optical and radio astronomy. While the issue is widely acknowledged, the full extent of its impact, the ongoing mitigation efforts, and the potential future scenarios remain less well understood. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) established the Centre for the Protection of Dark and Quiet Skies (CPS) to coordinate global efforts in assessing, mitigating, and managing the impact of satellite constellations. The CPS works across scientific, technical, and policy domains, industry stakeholders, and observatories worldwide to develop strategies that protect astronomical observations. Recent efforts have focused on refining impact assessment tools, advocating for regulatory protections, and collaborating with satellite operators to implement voluntary mitigation measures such as surface darkening and improved orbit management.   This talk will present the latest progress in mitigating satellite interference, with a particular focus on radio astronomy and the future challenges for the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO). We will discuss what has been achieved, and what are the options and pathways ahead.