Manufacturer: SpaceX
Country of origin: United States
Operator: Starlink Services, LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SpaceX)
Applications: Internet service
Website: www.starlink.com
ASN:14593
Specifications
Spacecraft type: Small satellite
Launch mass: v 0.9: 227 kg (500 lb)
v 1.0: 260 kg (570 lb)
v 1.5: ~306 kg (675 lb)[1]
v 2 mini: ~740 kg (1,630 lb)
v 2.0: ~1,250 kg (2,760 lb)[2]
Equipment: Ku-, Ka-, and E-band phased array antennas
Laser transponders (some units)
Hall-effect thrusters
Regime: Low Earth orbit
Sun-synchronous orbit
Production
Status: Active since 2019; 5 years
OWNERSHIP
Starlink is owned by SpaceX and operates as a division of the wider company.
SpaceX itself is owned mostly by the Elon Musk Trust, which has 54% equity.
The rest of the company is split between finance organisations such as
Sequoia Capital – even Google’s parent company Alphabet is understood to
have a stake. Starlink is the world's first and largest satellite constellation
using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting
streaming, online gaming, video calls and more.
Leveraging advanced satellites and user hardware coupled with our deep
experience with both spacecraft and on-orbit operations, Starlink delivers
high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world.
HISTORY
In 2014, Elon Musk and Greg Wyler were planning a 700-satellite constellation
called WorldVu. However, discussions broke down, and SpaceX filed an
International Transmission Union application under the name STEAM.
In 2016, Starlink, a satellite broadband network was licensed with this
initiative inspired by The novel the Fault in Our Stars by John Green.
The history of Starlink dates back to January 2015, when SpaceX announced
plans to develop a satellite internet constellation.
The company’s goal was to provide high-speed internet access to people
around the world, with a focus on rural and underserved areas.
The Starlink network is the world’s leading provider of launch services.
SpaceX is proud to be the first private company to have delivered astronauts
to and from the International Space Station, and the first and only company to
complete an all-civilian crew mission to orbit.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing
broadband services to over 60 countries and aiming for global mobile phone
service after 2023.
SATELLITE ORBIT USED
Starlink satellites operate in low Earth orbit (LEO), typically at altitudes ranging
from around 340 km to 1,200 km above the Earth's surface. This low orbit
allows for lower latency and higher bandwidth compared to traditional satellite
internet systems, which operate in higher geostationary orbits. The proximity
to Earth also enables easier end-of-life disposal and reduces the risk of space
debris accumulation.
NUMBER OF SATELLITES IN THE
CONSTELLATION
Starlink consists of over 5,000 small satellites in low Earth orbit, they are used
for communication via radio and laser links. The satellites are mass-produced
and launched using reusable rockets, reducing the cost and enhancing
deployment speed.
Starlink a relatively new technology, has the potential to revolutionize internet
access around the world.
Most satellite internet services come from single geostationary satellites that
orbit the planet at 35,786 km. As a result, the round trip data time between the
user and satellite—also known as latency—is high, making it nearly
impossible to support streaming, online gaming, video calls or other high data
rate activities.
Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that orbit the planet much
closer to Earth, at about 550km, and cover the entire globe. Because Starlink
satellites are in a low orbit, latency is significantly lower—around 25 ms vs
600+ ms.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF
STARLINK OVER OLDER SATELLITE BASED
INTERNET SERVICES
Advantages of Starlink:
No data caps.
No contracts, 30-day trial.
Easy self install (the dish is small and is motorised for self alignment).
Swifter speeds than 4G fixed wireless, conventional satellite internet, ADSL,
VDSL, and even surpassing basic fibre plans.
More economical compared to many alternative choices.
Low latency (or lag) means video conferencing is good quality. (0.02 – 0.08
seconds verse 0.6 – 1 second for traditional satellites)
The satellites are much closer than traditional satellites (eg 600km vs
39000km)
The network’s robustness is exceptional, bolstered by its extensive fleet of
thousands of satellites. In contrast, terrestrial networks are frequently
vulnerable to prolonged outages caused by single cable faults or a power
outage.
Disadvantages of Starlink:
Starlink is sometimes not immediately available in a few areas of NZ.
Typically more expensive than a WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider). If
there is a WISP in your area you might want to talk to them first to see what
they can offer. Have a look at the Broadband Map NZ.
A clear view is needed of the sky (mainly in the southern direction). There is
a Starlink App to help check for potential obstructions.
Dishes are locked to a specific location. (Except for service such as Starlink
Business , or Starlink Mobile)
Customers services have been slow at times.
Installation is DIY (or you can pay someone to do the install)
The initial expense for the dish. (While dish rental is available, purchasing is
usually the more economical choice.)
You can’t contact customer services via telephone.
The latest hardware uses around 40 Watts (approx $7.50 per month at
26c/kWh ).
Backup power requires some planning, but is easily achievable. See Backup
Power for Starlink and Powering Starlink With An Inverter.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STARLINK OVER
TERRESTRIAL INTERNET SERVICES
Starlink has its own set of advantages and disadvantages compared to
terrestrial internet services. One advantage of Starlink is its ability to provide
internet access in remote areas where traditional internet services may not be
available. On the other hand, a disadvantage of Starlink is that it can be more
expensive than terrestrial internet services. Additionally, Starlink may
experience interruptions in service due to weather conditions since it relies on
satellites. Terrestrial internet services, on the other hand, are usually more
reliable in terms of consistent connectivity.
OUTLOOK OF STARLINK IN THE NEXT 10
YEARS
Over the next decade, Starlink plans to expand its satellite network, bringing
worldwide internet connectivity to even the most isolated places. This could
lead to expanded global
connectivity, closing the digital divide and providing communities with access
to information, education, and opportunity. As additional satellites are
launched and technology evolves, we may see faster internet speeds, lower
latency, and greater reliability. This might have a big impact on several
industries, including telecommunications, e-commerce, and telemedicine,
allowing for new business models and innovations. However, there are
obstacles to overcome, such as governmental requirements, competitiveness,
and technical concerns. Furthermore, the viability of satellite constellations
and their impact on space debris control will be critical areas of study.
Overall, if SpaceX can overcome technical problems, regulatory hurdles, and
properly manage competition, Starlink has the potential to transform global
internet access and become an important participant in the telecoms market
within the next decade.
REFERENCES
Galaxyaerospaceghana
Starlink.com
Wikipedia.org
