SpaceX is taking its satellite internet ambitions to the next level. The company’s CEO, Elon Musk, revealed that the upcoming generation of Starlink satellites will be significantly larger, necessitating the powerful Starship launch vehicle for their deployment.
This shift marks a significant step forward for Starlink, promising a dramatic boost in performance. The larger satellites, capable of launching only on Starship, will deliver a 10-fold increase in bandwidth and faster latency due to their reduced orbital altitude. This means users can expect internet speeds that are closer to fiber-like performance, offering a significant improvement in connectivity.
SpaceX’s vision for Starlink is ambitious: to deliver gigabit connectivity globally, closing the digital divide and bringing reliable internet access to underserved communities. The company has already secured FCC approval to modify its next-generation satellite system, lowering the altitude of its satellites and enabling more flexible use of authorized frequencies.
These advancements are powered by the Starship, SpaceX’s behemoth launch vehicle, standing at a towering 121 meters and boasting the capacity to carry up to 150 metric tonnes to space. This dwarfs its current Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, which stand at 70 meters. While Starship is still under development and testing, its recent successful test flight and the successful capture of its booster at the launch tower demonstrate the company’s progress towards achieving its ambitious goals.
The future of Starlink is bright. With the introduction of these larger, Starship-launched satellites, users can expect a leap in performance and connectivity, paving the way for a future where reliable and high-speed internet is accessible to all.
