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This article is all about the Starlink Internet.The main idea of SpaceX behind this project is to benefit people of earth and raise funds for Mars Exploration. These benefits include the world’s most advanced broadband internet system.
In this article, we will cover everything about SpaceX’s Starlink Internet.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a project of an American private company named SpaceX. It is a collection of satellites that organize in a proper formation called a mega Constellation as they may include 12,000 satellites orbiting the earth. The main point of this project is that satellites orbit very close to the ground, around 340 miles (550Kms). Low enough altitude to pull down those satellites by earth’s atmospheric drag 1 to 5 years so that they don’t become space junk when the satellite becomes nonoperational.
Beginning Of This Project
It all started before Jan 16, 2015. I guess it was the first time when Elon Musk said –
“SpaceX has submitted to international regulators the necessary documentation for a global satellite Internet project to eventually include some 4,000 satellites in low Earth orbit and initial service within five years.”
(source – space.com ). At that time the name for this satellite project was not provided.
SpaceX launched the first two Starlink craft, TinTin A and B, in 2018. It was successful testing.
SpaceX launched its first 60 Starlink satellites on May 23, 2019, through its Falcon 9 rocket. This mission was successful. These satellites are in orbit 340 miles from the earth.
On Nov 11, 2019, Starlink launched another rocket for its #Mission2.
Within a day after the first launch with 60 satellites satellite train was observed by some sky watchers as a linear pearl of bright lights. After this, the third launch experimented with a black coating on satellites to reduce the brightness effect.
The third batch of 60 satellites launched in Jan 2020. The fourth batch of 60 satellites is scheduled to launch on Mar 15, 2020. But standard auto-abort was triggered due to out-of-family data during engine power check. So the launch is postponed for now. See what SpaceX tweeted after this.
In total, about 12,000 satellites will be deployed by the mid-2020s, with a possible later extension to 42,000. Each satellite weighs approximately 260kg and features a compact, flat-panel Design that minimizes volume allowing for a dense launch stack to take full advantage of the launch capabilities of the Falcon 9 rocket. Constellation Design consists of different Orbit Shells with a different number of satellites. This Wikipedia chart tells the story.
Each satellite will keep tracking other related satellites. There will be a well-defined networking algorithm that would follow to point to the satellite. It will be orbiting very close to earth 550Kms which shortens the satellite communication distance and decreases latency time. Despite the decrease in latency time, it also reduces coverage area due to the low altitude of the orbiting satellites, and this is why large no. of satellites are needed. The traditional satellite has excellent coverage due to its large orbit size, roughly 36,000 Kms, but they have a high latency time.
I let you know that according to Wikipedia, till now, only 8900 satellites have been launched. Out of which 2218 satellites are currently orbiting. You can imagine Starlink itself will break all the records if it sends those 12,000 satellites into space.
Purpose of Starlink Project
The primary purpose behind the project is to raise funds for Mars exploration and Colonization. Elon Musk, with his SpaceX, wants to help humanity settle Mars (Red Planet) with a vision of making life multi-planetary.
Musk already said – “We think this is a key stepping stone towards establishing a self-sustaining city on Mars and a base on the moon.” FCC has already Authorized SpaceX to Provide Broadband Satellite Services and approved the deployment of 4,425 satellites to provide fixed-satellite service (FSS) worldwide.
Total internet-connectivity revenue in the world is on the order of $1 trillion [annually], and we think maybe we can access about 3% of that, or maybe 5%
-Elon Musk Said
This is a huge fund. Starlink has its transportation service (SpaceX), which is sustainable and reusable, making it a profitable company.
Elon Musk’s statement is featured on the official SpaceX website.
You want to wake up in the morning and think the future is going to be great – and that’s what being a spacefaring civilization is all about. It’s about believing in the future and thinking that the future will be better than the past. And I can’t think of anything more exciting than going out there and being among the stars.
-Elon Musk (spaceX)
Features Of Starlink Satellites
These satellites weigh around 260kg and feature a compact, flat-panel Design which reduces volume.
Array Antennas
These satellites have four powerful antennas, and an enormous amount of throughput can be placed and redirected in a short time for an order of magnitude lower cost.
Singular Solar Panel Array
Starlink satellites have a single solar array is simplifying the system. Solar cells used in this are standardized and easy to integrate into the manufacturing process.
Ion Propulsion Systems
This is one of the main features of these satellites. These satellites are equipped with efficient ion thrusters powered by krypton (Kr) that enable the satellite to raise, maneuver in space, and deorbit at the end of their usual life. This is the first Krypton propelled spacecraft ever flown, as stated on the Starlink website.
Equipped With Star Tracker
Satellites have custom-built in-house navigation sensors that tell each satellite its altitude, which helps in enabling precision placement of broadband throughput.
Autonomous Collision Avoidance System
These satellites utilize input from the Defense’s debris tracking system to autonomously perform maneuvers (a movement or series of moves requiring skill and care) to avoid collision with other spacecraft and space debris. Space Debris is a non-functional artificial material in the earth’s orbit. This capability of the satellite reduces human errors allowing for a more reliable approach to collision avoidance.
FAQs
How much will Starlink cost?
Plans are not launched yet, but estimation data tells One Time cost for installation would be around $500 and a $99 a month subscription.
How will Starlink work?
It is a SpaceX project which is a so-called mega constellation of thousands of satellites that will be orbiting very close to the earth at 550km at some fixed different orbiting shells. Each satellite is beaming internet coverage to the surface below. 4425 satellite permission is already granted from FCC, out of which about 1261 active satellites are already deployed. Total estimated number of satellites need to have full coverage is around 42,000 satellites.
How fast will Starlink Internet be?
The company promises about 1 gigabit per second or about the top speed provided by cable and fiber companies today. In initial beta testing, people are measuring download speeds of around 40Mbps and Upload speeds of about 15Mbps in the northern part of the United States.
Starlink Internet vs 5G?
A regular user uses streaming services like Netflix, Twitch, YouTube, etc., which 4G is enough capacity to serve. 5G technology is 100 times faster than an existing 4G network, but currently, we don’t have speed problems over the 4G network. Instead, we have coverage issues. Starlink is promising to provide excellent coverage of internet broadband anywhere on earth. This is what we need right now. Read more about Starlink Internet vs 5G.
When will Starlink Internet be available?
It will most probably be available once 6 to 7 batches of satellites orbit. By the end of 2020 or the beginning of 2021, you may expect these services in America.
When will Starlink IPO will be released?
Starlink IPO will come but not very soon, but only several years in the future when revenue growth is smooth & predictable. Since this project is meant to raise funds for Mars exploration, check out what Elon Musk tweeted about Starlink’s IPO.
Leave a comment below if you have any suggestions or queries.
Next Reads:
SpaceX Starlink is Boon or Bane to Human life?
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Software Engineer. I like to help people with my articles. I hope you like them.
I think this explanation is back to front. The capabilities of the internet delivery system from a customer viewpoint is the most important aspect. You have not demonstrated how it will benefit the customer. The coverage presumably is the main thing. Also you have not talked about the handover between satellites and the re-entry dangers from the decaying orbit.
yes, noted.
Great explanation! space x is lit!
Yes