View Full Version : Starlink Satellite train
back to Boeing
2nd Dec 2019, 12:35
Plodding across the Atlantic this morning I was absent mindedly staring out the window enjoying the view as slowly but surely my eyes adjusted to the Milky Way coming in to view. A couple of nice shooting starts. And then a satellite passed overhead. And then another. And another and another and another and another. I stopped counting after 20.
After my post flight snooze I googled and found this.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starlink_(satellite_constellation)?wprov=sfti1
At first I was impressed by what I saw. But after seeing as many as I did I was a little disappointed because it started distracting me from my usual favourites of Orion in all its glory.
60 was distracting enough. Then I read on 12000 of the blighters!!!! I’m all for the advancement of life and knowledge on this blue marble. And the internet is a powerful tool for knowledge. But are we going too far???
I’m all for the advancement of life and knowledge on this blue marble. And the internet is a powerful tool for knowledge. But are we going too far???
FWIW these satellites are starting to P off many astronomers, both amateur and professional...
https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-astronomy-observations.html
When the company launched its first set of Starlink internet satellites in May, those with their eyes attuned to the night sky immediately realized that the objects were incredibly bright. Professional astronomers worried (https://www.space.com/astronomy-group-worries-about-starlink-science-interference.html) the satellites would interfere with scientific observations and amateur appreciation of the stars."That first few nights, it was like, 'Holy not-publishable-word,'" Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, told Space.com. "That kind of was the wake-up call (https://www.space.com/spacex-astronomers-starlink.html)."
https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/29/18642577/spacex-starlink-satellite-constellation-astronomy-light-pollution
https://globalmeteornetwork.org/?author=1
SpringHeeledJack
2nd Dec 2019, 15:09
Whilst it's admirable (or malevolent) for the companies to want global internet for all, by further cluttering near-earth space with hundreds and potentially thousands of satellites seems counter-productive to my simple mind. I wonder if the mathematicians can quantify how much higher the chances are of collisions between said satellites and others of the same genre and all the space junk that litters Low Earth Orbit. I realise that Space is big, even that which surrounds us, but adding to the mix just seems like madness to me.
Sallyann1234
2nd Dec 2019, 15:19
The crazy thing is that there is no control or oversight over the launch of satellites. It's a purely commercial thing - anyone or any business can send up as many as they can afford. The only regulation is of the frequencies they can use to communicate.
I don't see why they shouldn't be controlled as strictly as airline operations.
clark y
2nd Dec 2019, 21:58
Kessler Syndrome?
SpringHeeledJack
3rd Dec 2019, 07:13
Very possible. How it hasn't happened in part already is puzzling.
The crazy thing is that there is no control or oversight over the launch of satellites.
I don't see why they shouldn't be controlled as strictly as airline operations.
I think (from memory, from something I vaguely recall reading) there are agreements about the positioning of geostationary satellites, with them being allocated a "box" to operate in. Other than that - ?
Sallyann1234
3rd Dec 2019, 09:05
I think (from memory, from something I vaguely recall reading) there are agreements about the positioning of geostationary satellites, with them being allocated a "box" to operate in. Other than that - ?
Geostationary broadcast satellites are positioned according to area coverage and frequency coordination.
Geostationary broadcast satellites are positioned according to area coverage and frequency coordination.
I'm aware of that, but I also thought (possibly mistakenly) that I had read/heard that because that piece of "real estate" was of such value there was an agreement/coordination system to try and ensure such satellites (and of course it's not just comms sats) remained in an assigned "box" whilst they were operational and that once they became "inop" if possible they were moved out of the geostationary belt.
I'll see if I can find out further...
Edit to add: here you go:
There's a Parking Problem.. (https://theconversation.com/theres-a-parking-crisis-in-space-and-you-should-be-worried-about-it-83479)
Sallyann1234
3rd Dec 2019, 10:03
I'm aware of that, but I also thought (possibly mistakenly) that I had read/heard that because that piece of "real estate" was of such value there was an agreement/coordination system to try and ensure such satellites (and of course it's not just comms sats) remained in an assigned "box" whilst they were operational and that once they became "inop" if possible they were moved out of the geostationary belt.
I'll see if I can find out further...
Yes, you are right. There is a coordination system for geostationary satellites because there is a limited capacity in the Clarke belt.
But there is no control for all these new satellites that the OP refers to, other than frequency assignments.
But there is no control for all these new satellites that the OP refers to, other than frequency assignments.
Correct...I've never claimed otherwise.
Sallyann1234
3rd Dec 2019, 10:58
Correct...I've never claimed otherwise.
I never said you did :)
John Marsh
4th Dec 2019, 19:19
There could be even more:
But SpaceX isn’t alone in its satellite broadband ambitions: An international consortium called OneWeb is aiming to put its own broadband constellation into space with more than a billion dollars in backing from Airbus, SoftBank, Virgin Group and other partners. OneWeb’s first launch is expected to to occur within the next six months.
Geekwire (https://www.geekwire.com/2018/spacex-reorganizes-seattle-starlink-satellite/)
If thousands of these craft are sent aloft, what's the chance of damage to Moon or Mars mission craft, probe launches, or even future satellite launches?
List of planned constellations at table 1.......
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S246889671930045X
Space is big, really big. I mean you may think its a long way down the road to the chemist but thats just peanuts to space, listen.....
Ah Douglas.
Stribeck
18th Dec 2019, 21:39
Apparently SpaceX is considering this issue and are investigating less reflective coatings for the starlink satellites. This will not help with the space debris problem of course, but it makes sense for reducing the effect on astronomy.
Link to news article: spaceflightnow.com/2019/12/09/spacex-to-experiment-with-less-reflective-satellite-coatings-on-next-starlink-launch/
Tankertrashnav
18th Dec 2019, 23:37
Turin - thanks - I was trying to remember how that quote went but you saved me the trouble :ok:
RatherBeFlying
19th Dec 2019, 02:03
StarLink will have been blocking it from view:(
But when there's money to be made, who cares about shutting down astronomy? Look at all the trouble those pesky scientists have been making over CO²:}
tartare
20th Dec 2019, 01:51
The astronomy problem can be solved relatively simply.
Cover `em in Vantablack (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vantablack)
Being done already with certain types of less well-publicised satellites... if you catch my drift.
Carry0nLuggage
20th Dec 2019, 08:14
The astronomy problem can be solved relatively simply.
Cover `em in Vantablack (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vantablack)
Being done already with certain types of less well-publicised satellites... if you catch my drift.
That will do wonders for the thermal properties of the satellite, especially in LEO. Closing with, and spray painting a rival's satellite with black paint has been proposed as a way of destroying it without filling the orbit with debris. Basically roast it to death.
That will do wonders for the thermal properties of the satellite
https://phys.org/news/2019-12-camouflage-quantum-material-infrared-cameras.html
Sallyann1234
20th Dec 2019, 09:00
First we filled the earth's oceans with plastic rubbish, now we're going to fill the earth's orbits with satellite debris.
Why do humans want to destroy the planet that gave them life?
Bügger it, I'll be voting Green next :{
Carry0nLuggage
20th Dec 2019, 10:10
Thermal engineers will love that! :{
Gives me an idea for car number plates though :E
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/12/report-apple-is-developing-satellites-so-the-iphone-can-skip-wireless-carriers/
Karearea
21st Dec 2019, 06:03
The International Astronomical Union expressed concern about these satellite constellations back in June 2019:
https://www.iau.org/news/announcements/detail/ann19035/
Sallyann1234
27th Dec 2019, 13:24
And here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-50870117
Stargazers will be watching the skies to see if a compromise can be found.
Next 60 satellites launch around 0220Z, about 5 hours away......
https://youtu.be/Rq72B6gCVnA
Loose rivets
23rd Mar 2021, 04:51
Satellites . . . one hopes. West to East. <52N Straight line. Last one offset to the North. Dozens of them. Arms wide, about 20. 04.35 - 40ish. Mar 23 2021
What are they doing?
treadigraph
23rd Mar 2021, 05:13
It'll be the one of the latest strings of Starlink satellites (https://www.heavens-above.com/StarLink.aspx?lat=51.3446&lng=-0.107&loc=Brighton+Rd%2c+Purley+CR8+2BB%2c+UK&alt=67&tz=GMT)...
More info... (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starlink)
85Shiney
23rd Mar 2021, 11:47
One of Mr Musk's Starlink trains I would guess
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!
23rd Mar 2021, 13:02
They're the control units that make the 5G connection to all the microchips you've had injected into your body. You'll soon be controlled completely by ...well I'm a little unsure of that point
Less Hair
23rd Mar 2021, 13:05
Didn't Russia deploy a load of them very recently?
treadigraph
23rd Mar 2021, 13:09
If your name is Dave, they'll be taking a particular interest in what you are doing.
Gordy
23rd Mar 2021, 15:27
Satellites . . . one hopes. West to East. <52N Straight line. Last one offset to the North. Dozens of them. Arms wide, about 20. 04.35 - 40ish. Mar 23 2021
What are they doing?
As others have suggested---Starlink. This website will show you what you can see each night in your location:
See a Satellite Tonight (https://james.darpinian.com/satellites/)
Loose rivets
24th Mar 2021, 03:12
Thanks. I described them as a string of diamonds. So perfectly straight, given there's so much that can perturb early orbits. 60 sounds right. I must have gone out near the beginning. I dashed in for the phone, but not enough light for that tiny lens.
Clearly, cleaning local space is going to be big business in the future.
treadigraph
24th Mar 2021, 08:18
Another good site showing what's overhead now... (and might be visible at night)...
https://www.heavens-above.com/skyview/?lat=51.3446&lng=-0.107&cul=en#/livesky
Heavens Above (https://www.heavens-above.com/main.aspx?lat=51.3446&lng=-0.107&loc=Brighton+Rd%2c+Purley+CR8+2BB%2c+UK&alt=67&tz=GMT)
I see from Gordy's site that the Starlink chain should visible across the SW of the UK at 4.21am tomoroow - routing NW/SE. Though it may be cloudy where I am...
netstruggler
24th Mar 2021, 11:45
Another good site showing what's overhead now... (and might be visible at night)...
https://www.heavens-above.com/skyview/?lat=51.3446&lng=-0.107&cul=en#/livesky
Heavens Above (https://www.heavens-above.com/main.aspx?lat=51.3446&lng=-0.107&loc=Brighton+Rd%2c+Purley+CR8+2BB%2c+UK&alt=67&tz=GMT)
I see from Gordy's site that the Starlink chain should visible across the SW of the UK at 4.21am tomoroow - routing NW/SE. Though it may be cloudy where I am...
The BBC are predicting clear skies for me at 4:20 am and my Bedroom window faces WSW so it couldn't be much easier.... I just need to set an alarm and then remember what it was for in time to go to the window.
NineEighteen
24th Mar 2021, 12:40
Shhh! It’ll upset the astronomers among us.
😬
chevvron
24th Mar 2021, 14:48
Satellites . . . one hopes. West to East. <52N Straight line. Last one offset to the North. Dozens of them. Arms wide, about 20. 04.35 - 40ish. Mar 23 2021
What are they doing?
They've been sighted over Horsell Common too so it's probably the Martians doing a recce to retaliate against the recent US Invasion of Mars in a repeat of their own 1898 invasion as chronicled by Mr Herbert G Wells of Maybury, Woking.
That invasion failed due to germ warfare so if they do land, the same thing will probably happen again due to Covid 19.:E
11Fan
24th Mar 2021, 21:11
They're the control units that make the 5G connection to all the microchips you've had injected into your body. You'll soon be controlled completely by ...well I'm a little unsure of that point
Did you forget about that Non Disclosure Agreement that you signed?
Whatever you do, don't answer the door......if they even knock.
treadigraph
24th Mar 2021, 21:19
The BBC are predicting clear skies for me at 4:20 am and my Bedroom window faces WSW so it couldn't be much easier.... I just need to set an alarm and then remember what it was for in time to go to the window.
Well, I can't be all that far from you and on the strength of the met office prediction, I've set my alarm... :) I'll have to wander outside though.
wiggy
24th Mar 2021, 22:42
Shhh! It’ll upset the astronomers among us.
😬
Agreed..the first train was interesting, now....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4irXQhgMqg
Loose rivets
25th Mar 2021, 01:43
Geostationary orbits are a long way away. I'm surprised there'd be any competition for those, but of course, they're limited to a fairly narrow latitude band.
If Jeff Bezos gets his way, the darn height will be about England stood on its south coast. Mind you, Starlink looks like they'd give flight crew a start.
netstruggler
25th Mar 2021, 08:03
Well, I can't be all that far from you and on the strength of the met office prediction, I've set my alarm... :) I'll have to wander outside though.
Well I woke up. The sky was clear and I could see plenty of stars (for the city) - but I didn't see any train.
Maybe I wasn't looking at the right angle but I assumed if it was visible it would be impossible to miss?
I did go outside to see if they were overhead, but no luck there. If they were low then there's a row of street lights that probably did for me.
Did you see it?
Sallyann1234
25th Mar 2021, 10:02
Geostationary orbits are a long way away. I'm surprised there'd be any competition for those, but of course, they're limited to a fairly narrow latitude band.
If Jeff Bezos gets his way, the darn height will be about England stood on its south coast. Mind you, Starlink looks like they'd give flight crew a start.
The useful positions in the geostationary belt are just about full, and are much prized.
The daft thing about LEOs is that anyone with enough cash can chuck as many up into orbit as they choose and there seems to be no end to the process. The only control is on the frequencies they use. Astronomers just have to accept any problems they create for now or in the future.
treadigraph
25th Mar 2021, 11:33
No, sky was clear overhead but there was a certain milkiness in the sky which obscured all but the brightest stars as you looked more towards the horizon. I reckon they should have been about 30 or 40 degrees from directly overhead. I did see one satellite that was closer overhead, apparently from an earlier Starlink launch. Think I also saw a meteor! Blackbirds and robins were all trilling away merrily!
wiggy
25th Mar 2021, 11:52
Geostationary orbits are a long way away. I'm surprised there'd be any competition for those, but of course, they're limited to a fairly narrow latitude band.
As Sallyann says the geostationary slots are a limited resource and quite valuable.
https://space.stackexchange.com/questions/1098/how-full-is-the-geostationary-belt
anxiao
25th Mar 2021, 12:33
Thank you Wiggy, I just followed that link and spent a good half an hour realising how dumb I am. I also spent half of that trying to work out what "Tesseral" meant. I still cannot explain it, but if the pubs were open I would drop the word in conversation with certain of my drinking group to send them off on a wild goose chase of the term :}
cattletruck
25th Mar 2021, 12:37
Gordy's link is awesome but I suspect there is a flaw. If the satellites are in Earth's shadow then I doubt they can be seen.
A few hours after deep sunset or a few hours before twilight would be the ideal viewing time methinks.
Patchy cloud around my parts but the link suggested one of the trains would pass at 8:41pm - I saw a few moving things up there but not sure if I saw the train, have to wait for a clearer night.
Helena Handbasket
25th Mar 2021, 16:55
Sorry to offend all you astronomers but... my summer cabin is at 50N-122W in lovely British Columbia. No roads, no cell service, no utilities (except what I generate with solar.) My current connection with the world is Xplornet satellite. On a good day I get 2 to 3 Mbs download. This costs $129 month. I am anxiously awaiting my Starlink "dishy". Deposit is already paid. Beta testers are showing downloads of up to 300 Mbs. Same price as Xplornet. It's an easy decision for me.
wiggy
25th Mar 2021, 18:21
If the satellites are in Earth's shadow then I doubt they can be seen.
Correct, and since the starlink satellites are in Low Earth orbit the period of time you, the observer, have dark skies, and the satellites above you are being illuminated by direct sunlight can quite short.
Over the months I've found the trains aren't always that easy spot, even from a dark sky site, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if one got missed from a light polluted area.
BTW I've used the Heavens Above site for years, I know the the interface isn't perhaps that fancy but it works.
ShyTorque
25th Mar 2021, 18:46
App checked. Due overhead at 04:55 onwards - how exciting; at last something to look forward to, break the terminal Covid lockdown boredom!
Alarm set 04:45.
Slept fitfully till 04:40, pre-empted alarm (senior gentlemen's reasons, dealt with that).
Put on slippers - well one slipper actually - my son's dog that we seem to have adopted recently is a chronic slipper thief.
Crept carefully through the house, using a small torch to preserve night vision and so's not to wake the other half.
Re-checked the App - They're coming, They're coming, should be right overhead in a couple of minutes!!
Carefully unlocked and slid back the patio door.
Hopped out onto the cold patio slabs, in pyjamas and the one slipper, shivering slightly.
Looked skywards....for ten minutes. Didn't see a damned thing.
Went back to bed, feeling very cold and rather silly. :rolleyes:
treadigraph
25th Mar 2021, 18:53
A
Slept fitfully till 04:40, pre-empted alarm (senior gentlemen's reasons, dealt with that).
Yes, me too... :{
Hokulea
26th Mar 2021, 10:52
As Sallyann says the geostationary slots are a limited resource and quite valuable.
https://space.stackexchange.com/questions/1098/how-full-is-the-geostationary-belt
Thanks, for that, wiggy. As you say, the geostationary belt is quite full. As has been mentioned, there is potential for interference if the geo satellites get close, but there is also a risk of collision, especially when you consider that some satellites stop operating and there's nothing you can do to move them, so you have to move others out of the way. Then there's whatever some company or country used to get their satellite into that orbit and might have been discarded.
One other thing to consider is that I suspect most people think that a satellite in geostationary orbit is stationary relative to someone on Earth. They aren't. Although they generally stay within a belt and close to where they should be, they actually do all sorts of loops and strange shapes while staying close to their supposed position from an Earth-observer's perspective. Considering all that, ground-based telescopes are used to detect if any operational satellites are in danger of collision and if they are, the ground-based observations are used to let the various companies know when and where to move their satellites.
A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to keep the world in touch!
ShyTorque
26th Mar 2021, 11:36
Parking space problems in space. Who would have thought it?
Hokulea
26th Mar 2021, 12:39
Parking space problems in space. Who would have thought it?
Think of it more like a busy marina and a couple of boats getting loose. You know where everything is, all the boats are in a confined space, but you don't know what damage will be done until those boats are brought under control. I apologize for not knowing the maritime phrasing for this. But everyone else is worried that a rogue boat might hit their boat, and given enough warning they move their boats away from danger just to be safe!
Unfortunately, it's not like when we were kids using paddle boats and the scary guy with the loud hailer shouted "Come in number 3, your time is up!".
Loose rivets
26th Mar 2021, 14:37
Huh, that sounds like my first job. 10/6 a week.
Now you mention it, of course, the Inmarsat relevent to the M370 made a huge 8 with the top loop smaller than the bottom. Yes, a lot of space taken up.
wiggy
26th Mar 2021, 14:56
Thanks, for that, wiggy.
:ok:
One other thing to consider is that I suspect most people think that a satellite in geostationary orbit is stationary relative to someone on Earth. They aren't. Although they generally stay within a belt and close to where they should be, they actually do all sorts of loops and strange shapes while staying close to their supposed position from an Earth-observer's perspective.
You'l know a lot or all of this, for those that don't..
https://celestrak.com/columns/v04n07/
Hokulea
27th Mar 2021, 07:18
Thanks, wiggy! I did know this stuff since I've been involved in various projects since 2014 in observing orbital debris in high-earth orbit (i.e., geosynchronous orbit) but hadn't seen that web page before. It's very good and summarises things well. It's something I will definitely use in the future if and when I need to explain orbital debris and its potential effects. I think many people concentrate on orbital debris being a problem in low-earth orbit or something that's a threat to astronauts and space stations - which of course it is - but don't consider the threat to our whole satellite communication network.
Spacex has now launched 1300 satellites out if a planned 1500, at their current launch rate that should be finished in 6-8 weeks (which is mind blowing in itself).
At which point they will reportedly switch to regular polar launches out of Vandenberg - which should provide good views in the higher latitudes.
The first 10 were launched on 24th January Transporter-1 mission which launched 133 satellites for various customers. The 10 were launched to an altitude of approximately 500-kilometers above Earth to operate in Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
The polar satellites transfer data between them using lasers so no ground stations are needed in the polar regions.
https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/26/22350643/oneweb-spacex-racing-broadband-internet-arctic-military
OneWeb and SpaceX are racing to beam internet to the Arctic
After the launch over the weekend Spacex now has over 1600 Starlink satellites in orbit. Now they’ve linked up with Google….
https://www.eetimes.com/spacex-expands-starlink-to-google-cloud/
SpaceX Expands Starlink to Google Cloud
Starlink, the streak in the night sky launched by SpaceX, will connect with Google’s cloud infrastructure, enabling the satellite broadband network to deliver low-latency applications, data and other cloud services to network edge deployments.
SpaceX earlier signed a similar agreement to connect its Starlink constellation to Microsoft’s Azure cloud…. The cloud deals with Google and Microsoft illustrate the long-term goal of tapping the lucrative enterprise edge market.
Google said last week SpaceX will locate Starlink ground stations within its data centers to deliver applications to the network edge relayed by its growing satellite constellation.
The collaboration combines Google’s private cloud network with a satellite network service eventually aimed at corporate users, including those beyond the reach of terrestrial connections.….
Google and SpaceX said they expect to begin delivering the new edge services to corporate customers beginning in the second half of 2021.
SpaceX and Microsoft announced a partnership last fall that would link the Starlink broadband network to Azure modular data centers via satellite network provider SES (https://datacenterfrontier.com/azure-space-connects-microsoft-edge-modules-to-satellites-including-spacex/).
Observers note the Google-SpaceX deal would create direct connections between the Starlink constellation via ground stations in Google data centers. Those direct connections would reduce latency and boost performance for streaming video and other enterprise applications……
Others stressed the deal would provide Starlink customers with faster connections to Google cloud servers.
Arianespace getting desperate to stop SpaceX getting so far ahead. Not sure how successful they’ll be appealing to the FCC however - and as far as I know there aren’t any European or UN bodies who have any powers to do so.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-9629303/SpaceX-satellite-plans-unsustainable-warns-competitor-Arianespace.html
SpaceX launching thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit is 'unsustainable' and could give the Elon Musk-owned firm a monopoly in space, warns competitor Arianespace
Jacob87
31st May 2021, 13:44
Does someone think that Arianespace can stop SpaceX from launching their satellites? They've started a Starlink mission and must finish it.
Lantern10
31st May 2021, 22:41
Walking home a week or so ago, around 8pm, saw a group of four, then another, then another and so on for about 5 mins.
Given the Starlink constellation and similar projects objectively generate some real risks and several problems it's quite right that other spaceflight operators and international organisations should be raising concerns.
The astronomical world has for some time been utter p***** off that the quest for broadband appears to override any consideration regarding light pollution and the effect it has on some astronomical research...for example..
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/starlink-astronomers-update/
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02480-5
There are also concerns about the about of debris associated with the starlink satellites that is being dumped into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), increasing the risks for everybody operating in satellites and spacecraft at LEO "altitudes" ( It was discovered a few weeks back that the remote manipulator arm on the International Space station was been dinked by junk in the last few months)...
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-89909-7
Or maybe we should only be allowed to raise concerns over what the Chinese do with their cast off hardware?.......
The Starlink constellation is launched into an insertion orbit at 200km where the decay time to reentry is measured in days, before being raised to 500km where the life, if not maintained by using fuel, is about a decade.
The OneWeb constellation, for which Arianespace has just launched the latest batch, as launched into a 500km insertion orbit with a decay time of about a 10 years, before being raised to a 1200km orbit with a decay time of millennia.
Which is causing the greater long term problem?
Which, by the way, is why the FCC gave SpaceX permission for 2,800 more satellites - because they lowered their planned orbits from 1200km to the same 500km orbit as the present constellation.
https://spacenews.com/fcc-approves-starlink-license-modification/
Fundamentally these is a real world physics issue here (Nature article refers, plenty more available) and interestingly even Viasat, an American company, has raised objections.
It's not quite a simple case of Arianespace/EU being desperate.....
Wiggy,
Viasat is another with a dog in the fight…… but also years behind…..
https://www.satellitetoday.com/business/2020/05/27/viasat-confirms-new-leo-constellation-plans-record-breaking-q4-results/
…..Satellite operator Viasat reported record-breaking revenue increases and subscriber growth, and dropped a surprise revelation that it was scrapping its planned Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO) constellation for a new Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation that will launch in approximately five to six years …..
Wiggy,
Viasat is another with a dog in the fight…… but also years behind…..
.
I'm aware of the commercial side of this but objectively there are increasing concerns being expressed by many of the serious players in this game about the amount of debris being distributed into Earth orbit...
To borrow from Richard Feynman ""For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled."
Jacob87
2nd Jun 2021, 10:59
I'm aware of the commercial side of this but objectively there are increasing concerns being expressed by many of the serious players in this game about the amount of debris being distributed into Earth orbit...
To borrow from Richard Feynman ""For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations, for Nature cannot be fooled."
But many companies work on missions that'll clean up space debris, do you know it?
But many companies work on missions that'll clean up space debris, do you know it?
Yes, I know "it"...and do you know many such missions have been flown as of today, how much debris has actually been collected as of today, and how much debris needs to be collected?
Just to give you a clue according to some authorities such as NASA there are something like half a million objects of marble size or bigger in Low earth orbit..object the size of a paint fleck have damaged the windows of structures such as the ISS and Space Shuttle..it's a serious issue, there's potentially a heck of a clean up job and it's not even started...
It becomes clear why Viasat are keen to have LEO slots available - and they do have at least one powerful voice on their side…
https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/06/01/viasat-to-add-military-grade-encryption-to-experimental-link-16-satellite/
Viasat to add military-grade encryption to experimental Link 16 satellite
WASHINGTON — A new Link 16-capable satellite being developed by Viasat will feature military-grade encryption, the company announced June 1.
Link 16 is the U.S. military’s primary tactical data exchange network, allowing joint war fighters to share information on the location of friendly and enemy forces to build a common operating picture of the battlefield.
But while Link 16 is of critical importance to the military in understanding the modern battlefield, it is technically limited to communications to other terminals within line of sight. In other words, it can’t be used to incorporate data from sensors and war fighters that are too far away.
The Air Force Research Laboratory wanted to change that. In 2019, the lab issued a $10 million contract (https://www.c4isrnet.com/c2-comms/satellites/2019/05/29/air-force-wants-to-expand-tactical-data-network-to-space/) to Viasat through the Space Enterprise Consortium to build a Link 16-capable satellite.
By directly tying into the Link 16 tactical network from low Earth orbit, the satellite could provide a connection node with beyond-line-of-sight forces. This space vehicle would use the vantage of orbit to connect — via Link 16 — systems that would otherwise be limited to line-of-sight communications…..
The experimental Viasat satellite will help reduce risk for the ambitious plans of the Space Development Agency (https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/02/11/sda-to-launch-several-demonstration-satellites-in-2021/), which is working to launch a new proliferated constellation made up of hundreds of satellites mostly in low Earth orbit (https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/01/21/one-military-space-agencys-plan-for-1000-new-satellites-by-2026/).
That constellation will create a mesh network on orbit with optical intersatellite links (OISL) (https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/c2-comms/2020/01/16/the-pentagon-wants-help-for-its-satellites-to-talk-to-each-other/) that can transport data from satellite to satellite all over the globe.
Just like with the AFRL satellite, SDA plans to outfit some of its satellites with Link 16 terminals, essentially enabling the U.S. military to push data to war fighters all over the world via the tactical network. Six of the agency’s first satellites — set to begin launching in 2022 — will be outfitted with Link 16 terminals.
Viasat initially anticipated launching the experimental satellite in summer 2020 but has pushed back the launch to fall 2021.
https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/133827/spacex-tests-experimental-starlink-satellite-that-uses-2-square-shaped-dishes
SpaceX Tests Experimental Starlink Satellite That Uses 2 Square-Shaped Dishes
SpaceX is testing a new version of Starlink (https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/132246/what-is-starlink-spacexs-much-hyped-satellite-internet-service-explained) that operates via two satellite dishes instead of one.
The company revealed the experimental dish in an FCC filing last week, which was spotted (https://wccftech.com/new-starlink-user-dish-with-smaller-antenna-pops-up-in-fcc-filing/) by Wccftech. The document (https://apps.fcc.gov/els/GetAtt.html?id=275232&x=.) indicates the dish separates the transmitting and receiving antennas into two squares that’ll communicate with SpaceX’s satellite internet network. Each square measures 12.2 inches by 12.2 inches.
The design is notably different from the circular satellite dish design on a standard Starlink terminal, which the company has been distributing to thousands of eager customers. That dish, which measures 23 inches in diameter, contains both the transmitting and receiving antennas.
SpaceX’s application (https://apps.fcc.gov/els/GetAtt.html?id=275231&x=.) to the FCC doesn’t reveal much about the experimental dish or its purpose. The document merely says the company is seeking a six-month license to test the dish starting on July 10 in five states: California, Colorado, Utah, Texas, and Washington.
“The tests requested here are designed to demonstrate the ability to transmit to and receive information from a fixed location on the ground,” the application adds. “SpaceX will test antenna equipment functionality and analyze data link performance of the user terminal.”
The application was filed as SpaceX is rolling out Starlink across the globe to potentially millions of users in need of high-speed internet. To reach the goal, the company is trying to reduce the $499 upfront cost of each Starlink terminal, which includes the dish and a Wi-Fi modem.
The experimental dish could also represent SpaceX’s attempt to upgrade speeds (https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/132656/growing-pains-starlink-is-fast-but-dont-expect-200mbps-all-the-time)on the Starlink network. At the same time, the company is working to offer Starlink on moving vehicles (https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/132143/spacex-wants-to-bring-starlink-internet-to-cars-boats-and-airplanes), including boats and cars.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x882/image_28b2ee9942d65a18212bec590e24fc99cbd2ef5e.png
Reference the above - breakdown on the current dish. More details in the comments below.
https://hackaday.com/2020/11/25/literally-tearing-apart-a-spacex-starlink-antenna/
Tearing Apart a SpaceX Starlink Antenna
https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/06/10/norad-wants-80-million-to-test-spacex-and-oneweb-in-the-arctic/
NORAD, NORTHCOM want $80 million to test SpaceX and OneWeb in the Arctic
WASHINGTON — The head of U.S. Northern Command wants $80 million to continue testing SpaceX’s and OneWeb’s low Earth orbit satellite internet service, which it believes could solve the military’s Arctic communications woes.
American war fighters rely on a mix of commercial and government-owned satellites for global communications, but that infrastructure begins to run a bit thin above 65 degrees North.
Satellite availability above the 70-degree line is extremely limited, leaving U.S. forces and sensors in the Arctic with far less connectivity than the rest of the military.
But a new generation of low Earth orbit satellites designed to deliver commercial broadband could help fill that gap. Using constellations comprising hundreds of satellites, services like SpaceX’s Starlink and OneWeb are being built out to provide internet access to any location on Earth from orbit.
Last year, NORTHCOM and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) asked Congress for $130 million in their unfunded priority list (https://www.c4isrnet.com/smr/frozen-pathways/2020/05/11/spacex-could-fill-the-us-militarys-arctic-communications-gap-by-the-end-of-this-year/) — essentially a wish list of items that didn’t fit into the Pentagon’s annual budget request — to explore using those two constellations for Arctic communications. That funding enabled contract awards to SpaceX and OneWeb (https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2021/05/06/hughes-and-oneweb-working-to-fill-militarys-arctic-communication-gap/) for full-scale testing.
Now, NORAD and NORTHCOM Commander Gen. Glen VanHerck requested $79.8 million in his FY22 unfunded priority list obtained by C4ISRNET to continue that effort — that’s about $30 million less than the commands expected to spend in FY22, according to their FY21 request.
They would use the funding to test new terminal prototypes that can connect with multiple commercial constellations, a capability laid out in the Space Force’s Fighting SATCOM Vision.
Long term, NORTHCOM suggested that this investment could encourage companies to develop more polar coverage with their communications satellite constellations.
According to the unfunded priority list, SpaceX launched 10 Starlink satellites into polar orbit in January, and plans to launch over a hundred more this summer. OneWeb told C4ISRNET in May that it had launched 182 satellites with plans to deliver Arctic coverage by the end of 2021.
That’s in line with VanHerck’s letter, where he said he expects 24/7 Arctic coverage provided by multiple commercial providers around January 2022.
The general noted that additional funding will be needed in FY23 and beyond for commercial service contracts and terminals.
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/07/spacex-wins-court-ruling-that-lets-it-continue-launching-starlink-satellites/
Judges reject Viasat’s plea to stop SpaceX Starlink satellite launches
SpaceX can keep launching broadband satellites despite a lawsuit filed by Viasat, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
Viasat sued (https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/viasat-appeal.pdf) the Federal Communications Commission in May and asked judges for a stay (https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/viasat-motion-for-stay.pdf) that would halt SpaceX's ongoing launches of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that power Starlink Internet service. To get a stay, Viasat had to show that it is likely to win its lawsuit alleging that the FCC improperly approved the satellite launches.
A three-judge panel at the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit was not persuaded, saying in a short order (https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/order-against-viasat.pdf) that "Viasat has not satisfied the stringent requirements for a stay pending court review."
The judges did grant a motion to expedite the appeal, however, so the case should move faster than normal…….
Dish Network is also fighting SpaceX's FCC approval, and Dish's case was consolidated with Viasat's appeal. The judges set an August 6 deadline for Viasat and Dish to file opening briefs. The FCC will have until September 21, and SpaceX will have a deadline of September 28.
Dish and Viasat will have until October 12 to file replies, and final briefs are due October 26. Oral arguments will follow "on the first appropriate date" after briefs…..
The FCC has given SpaceX several approvals of satellite launches. In 2018, the FCC approved 4,408 satellites….. SpaceX also has FCC approval for another 7,500 satellites (https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2018/11/spacex-gets-fcc-approval-for-7500-more-broadband-satellites/) with even lower orbits…..
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/elon-musk-spacex-starlink-station-isle-of-man-britain-b1894980.html
Spacex Applies for Licence for Ground Staion on Isle of Man for Blanket UK Broadband Coverage
clareprop
8th Aug 2021, 17:11
There it was yesterday, in my Inbox. A note from Starlink telling me my box was on its way. After years of struggling with 1 or even sometimes a whopping 3 mbps in deepest, darkest Charente Maritime, I'm about to get some proper internet service.:ok:
:D:ok: Let us know how it goes - and whether you get the old or new dish.
clareprop
8th Aug 2021, 18:39
Let us know how it goes - and whether you get the old or new dish
NEW dish? Now I have upgrade anxiety. I wasn't aware there was an old and new...
clareprop
8th Aug 2021, 18:56
Yes, I see, thanks. I also found another write-up and looking at both, they seem to be addressing the USA initially so that's going to be at least a year or so away from France. The main challenge is getting a wide clear view of the northern sky...
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/09/spacex-acquiring-satellite-data-start-up-swarm-technologies.html
SpaceX is buying satellite data start-up Swarm, in a rare acquisition by Elon Musk’s space company
SpaceX is acquiring satellite data start-up Swarm Technologies, in a rare deal by Elon Musk’s (https://www.cnbc.com/elon-musk/) space company that expands the team — and possibly the technological capabilities — of its growing Starlink internet service.
Swarm, which has 120 of its tiny SpaceBEE satellites in orbit, reached an agreement with SpaceX on July 16 to merge, according to an Aug. 6 filing with the Federal Communications Commission.
The company will become “a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of SpaceX upon consummation of the Proposed Transaction,” Swarm wrote in the filing…..
The deal marks an uncommon acquisition for SpaceX, which tends to design and build systems in-house. But FCC licenses can be difficult and time-consuming to get approved, and Swarm will transfer control of of its satellite and ground station licenses to SpaceX as part of the deal, according to the filing.…..
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, Swarm has been building a constellation of 150 satellites. Its SpaceBEEs are “the smallest commercially operational satellites in space,” the company says – at 11 centimeters by 11 centimeters by 2.8 centimeters, the satellites are about the size of a small notebook.
Swarm’s satellites communicate with its antennas on the ground, with a Swarm “Tile” that can be embedded into a circuit board, to connect Internet of Things, or IoT, devices to a global communications network. A Swarm Tile is priced at $119, and its larger standalone “Eval Kit” is $499, with the company charges a $5 a month subscription fee to use the network.
The company offers services for a wide variety of IoT uses, including agriculture, maritime, energy, environmental, and transportation sectors.….
https://swarm.space/
clareprop
13th Aug 2021, 19:29
Kit arrived today and temporarily installed on the ground rather than rooftop. 80 down and 14 up. Amazing to watch Youtube and Netflix in HD
Better than most people get in a city centre.
TURIN
14th Aug 2021, 01:48
Better than most people get in a city centre.
I'm very close to a green, fibre optic distribution box and I get 70 down and 16 up. Out in the countryside too. Starlink is very impressive.
I’m intrigued by their purchase of swarm - their tiles can cheaply be embedded in products and contain GPS.
No reason why one can’t be embedded in every car, truck, container, boats, drones or other mobile device on the planet. With GPS they could easily be used for things such as road pricing or remote control. Imagine if every airliner was automatically sending its location every 30 seconds.
Their current business plan includes. 75 data packets per month for free - but that’s just business, not technology.
Each Falcon 9 Starlink launch carries around 66 satellites at 260kg each. A Swarm SpaceBee satellite weighs 400 grams and is just 11x11x3 cm in size with up to 24 flat packed into a single deployer. How many could they deploy in a single dedicated launch?
https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/spacebee-10.htm
https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/135161/spacex-aims-to-use-starship-to-deploy-starlink-satellites-at-a-faster-rate
SpaceX Aims to Use Starship to Deploy Starlink Satellites at a Faster Rate
clareprop
20th Aug 2021, 12:18
https://www.pprune.org/images/smilies2/eusa_clap.gifhttps://www.pprune.org/images/smilies/thumbs.gif Let us know how it goes - and whether you get the old or new dish.
I'm not sure if it's a new or old dish but I suspect it's an 'old' one. It came direct from Starlink in California. Initial installation was simple, I just put the tripod on a convenient roof plugged everything in. On wifi I was getting 60/20 and on ethernet, 190/40 - result! After that, it was time to install properly so I used an old satellite dish wall support and attached the pipe adaptor I had purchased with the kit. Again, technically very simple but you need to think out two things. The dish location and the wiring route. Firstly, the dish should have a clear view of the Northern sky (in Northern Hemisphere) with no obstructions around it and secondly, the dish has 30 metres of cable which can't be cut or extended so if some extension is needed, you have to extend the ethernet to router cable from the power block. As I live in a typical Charentaise Longère in France, I knew wherever I placed the supplied router, it wouldn't be able to cover the house so initially, I just wired through to the study which is about in the middle of the property. The cable has a sealed suppressor or fuse near the end so, if you have to run through walls or doors, you'll need to make a hole of at least 1.5cm. The router does not seem to give a strong wifi signal. My PC was about 5m away and had trouble connecting at 5GHz so I was getting quite 'slow' speeds of 20mbps at 2.4GHz. Connected by ethernet cable, the PC was achieving 150+. My phone, when next to the router was fine.
However, as previously mentioned, I knew I would not be able to get proper coverage with just the router so I had already purchased a Google Mesh system. With four strategically placed Nest routers, I now have 80-90+mbps download speeds throughout and around the property on Wifi. The system easily handles all our devices as well as a gate bell/camera which is about 25 metres from the house. In terms of service availability and latency, I have seen a few outages but they haven't lasted very long. A slight concern for some rural users (who the system is actually aimed at) is they must have a clear view of the sky with no obstructions such as trees - so go high or be ready with the chainsaw. Latency seems to average 38-48 which is fine for us. I've read a number of comparisons of fibre and Starlink speeds but I'd stress again that Starlink is aimed at users who can't get fast broadband or fibre because of their location. Overall, we have a system that at the moment, is 40 times faster than the ADSL broadband we had. With more satellites and faster interlinking of them, the service will only get quicker.
https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-starlink-half-million-preorders-gwynne-shotwell/
SpaceX President reveals 600,000 global Starlink internet preorders
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1431126154195443714?s=21
https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/9/22664342/amazon-spacex-starlink-fight-elon-musk-jeff-bezos-fcc
Amazon, fighting SpaceX’s Starlink plans, says Elon Musk’s companies don’t care about rules
https://www.inverse.com/innovation/starlink-spacex-coverage-boost
STARLINK: SPACEX'S NEXT LAUNCH WILL BRING A HUGE UPGRADE TO THE SERVICE
On Wednesday, Teslarati (https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-second-west-coast-starlink-launch-date/) reported that SpaceX will likely host its second Starlink launch from the west coast of the U.S. as soon as Sunday, October 17. The mission is expected to launch 51 Starlink satellites (https://www.inverse.com/innovation/spacex-starlink-new-feature), complete with optical interlinks that will enable the satellites to bring internet access to Earth’s poles.
It’s another moment of expansion for SpaceX’s under-construction internet constellation, designed to bring high speed and low latency access to almost anywhere in the world. The company first started signing up beta testers in mid-2020, and early reports suggested that users are receiving up to 150 megabits per second.
For the long term, SpaceX has plans for much faster access. A January 2021 presentation suggested the company’s long-term ambition is to provide speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second......
https://twitter.com/tesmanian_com/status/1454956982281011201?s=21
https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-plans-rollout-200k-user-terminals-india-asia-expansion-2021-11
SpaceX's Starlink is planning to roll out 200,000 user terminals in India
SpaceX's satellite internet network, Starlink (https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-internet-service-elon-musk-all-you-need-know-2021-2?r=US&IR=T), wants to roll out 200,000 user terminals (https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-starlink-new-satellite-internet-terminals-cheaper-profit-2021-6?r=US&IR=T) in India in an effort to expand its service in Asia, according to a company presentation.
Starlink has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India called Starlink Satellite Communications Private, the company's India director, Sanjay Bhargava, wrote in a LinkedIn post (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6860904766105505792/) Monday. Bhargava, a former PayPal executive, said in the post that the subsidiary can now apply for licenses and open bank accounts.
The subsidiary has a "stretch goal" to deploy 200,000 Starlink user terminals in more than 160,000 rural districts in India by December 2022, per a company presentation that Bhargava shared on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sanjaybhargava_catalysing-rural-development-v1mp4-activity-6859873318200201216-HHWI/) last week…..
Starlink is also in talks with two telecommunications companies in the Philippines, where it also wants to launch its satellite service, Bloomberg (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-29/musk-s-starlink-in-talks-to-bring-fast-internet-to-philippines?sref=lAVQtUwz) first reported on Friday.
There are currently more than 1,650 Starlink satellites (https://planet4589.org/space/stats/star/starstats.html) in orbit. The company's goal is to have 42,000 by mid-2027 (https://www.businessinsider.com/how-elon-musk-42000-starlink-satellites-earth-effects-stars-2020-10?r=US&IR=T) in order to create an internet service which stretches across the world.
Gordon3333
17th Nov 2021, 14:08
I am all for bringing the internet to the rest of the world but seeing these satellites in the night sky is sometimes annoying...I agree with earlier post that some sort of regulation is surely needed now
With Starlink being extensively used by Ukrainian armed forces, publishing how to hack and infiltrate not only the terminal but also, possibibly, the network behind doesn’t seem the wisest of moves…
https://www.theregister.com/2022/08/12/starlink_terminal_hack_black_hat/
Starlink satellite dish cracked on stage at Black Hat
https://spacenews.com/spacex-adds-falcon-9-back-to-second-gen-starlink-launch-plan/
TAMPA, Fla. — SpaceX has decided to use a mix of Falcon 9 and Starship rockets to launch the 30,000 satellites in its proposed second-generation Starlink broadband constellation.
Launching some of the satellites with SpaceX’s “tested and dependable Falcon 9” will accelerate the constellation’s deployment to improve Starlink services. SpaceX director of satellite policy David Goldman wrote in an Aug. 19 letter to the Federal Communications Commission.
Goldman did not say when SpaceX could start launching the second-generation constellation, which remains subject to FCC approval….
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, has said full-sized second-generation Starlinks are seven meters long and weigh about five times more than its first generation at around 1,250 kilograms.
Goldman said SpaceX remains committed to deploying all of its 29,988 proposed second-generation satellites — at altitudes of between 340 and 614 kilometers across nine inclined orbits — whether they are launched with Falcon 9 or Starship.
“Specifically, SpaceX plans to launch satellites for its Gen2 constellation beginning with its three 500-kilometer shells, followed by satellites in its lower-altitude shells,” he said.…
SpaceX has launched more than 3,100 satellites for Starlink’s current generation with Falcon 9, usually in batches of around 50 per mission. According to astronomer and spaceflight analyst Jonathan McDowell, more than 2,800 (https://planet4589.org/space/stats/star/starstats.html) are currently working in LEO…..
SpaceX currently has permission to deploy 4,408 satellites in LEO for a network that uses Ku-band spectrum to connect users from around 550 kilometers above the Earth.
A separate FCC authorization also gives SpaceX permission to launch 7,500 V-band satellites, which Starlink’s first generation needs to reach a total of around 12,000 satellites for global services.
SimonPaddo
23rd Aug 2022, 14:55
Geez, thats a lot of potential junk up there in the future if anything untoward happens on-orbit or de-orbiting fails.
https://youtu.be/4DGdDzfgq7k
https://twitter.com/maximusupinnyc/status/1574037373888905216?s=21&t=uH-gqbeYJj93v4GK8GIEjg
Last night’s SpaceX launch of Starlink internet satellites seen over Brooklyn
https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-delays-starlink-launch-after-falcon-9-static-fire/
SpaceX delays Starlink launch after Falcon 9 static fire test
Around 10 am Pacific on November 17th, SpaceX test-fired one of its Falcon 9 rockets and announced that its next Starlink launch would follow as early as Friday, November 18th. Seven hours later, SpaceX canceled those plans, stating that it needed “to take a closer look at data” gathered during the test.….
The last time a prelaunch static fire was explicitly blamed for a launch delay was in August 2019, when SpaceX fired up a Falcon 9 rocket ahead of its Amos-17 launch, didn’t like what it saw, decided to replace a valve on the booster, and then conducted a second static fire test to clear the rocket to launch. It’s possible that Starlink 2-4’s sequence of events will end up being similar.…..
Whenever it does launch, Starlink 2-4 will be SpaceX’s 65th operational Starlink mission, and is scheduled to add another 52 Starlink V1.5 satellites to the constellation’s Group 2 shell. Group 2 is the third largest of five shells that make up SpaceX’s first 4408-satellite Starlink constellation and will have 720 satellites once completed.
SpaceX has nearly finished two main 1584-satellite shells that orbit over Earth’s mid-latitudes. It’s also begun launching one of two smaller shells (Group 3 and 5) that orbit Earth’s poles. Group 2 splits the difference with an orbit inclined 70 degrees relative to Earth’s equator.
According to data collated by astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, and assuming that SpaceX intends to have as many satellites in orbit as possible, Group 1 and Group 4 appear to be four or five launches away from completion. Group 3 and 5 require eight more launches. Including Starlink 2-4, Group 2 will take another 13 launches. Barring surprises, SpaceX has approximately 25 launches left to complete its first Starlink constellation.
In the first ten months of 2022, SpaceX launched 32 operational Starlink missions, and its launch cadence has increased throughout the year, boding well for the constellation’s completion by mid-to-late 2023.
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/01/fcc-authorizes-spacex-gen2-starlink-up-to-7500-satellites.html
FCC authorizes SpaceX to begin deploying up to 7,500 next-generation Starlink satellites
https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-plans-rollout-200k-user-terminals-india-asia-expansion-2021-11
SpaceX's Starlink is planning to roll out 200,000 user terminals in India
SpaceX's satellite internet network, Starlink (https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-internet-service-elon-musk-all-you-need-know-2021-2?r=US&IR=T), wants to roll out 200,000 user terminals (https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-starlink-new-satellite-internet-terminals-cheaper-profit-2021-6?r=US&IR=T) in India in an effort to expand its service in Asia, according to a company presentation.
Starlink has set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India called Starlink Satellite Communications Private, the company's India director, Sanjay Bhargava, wrote in a LinkedIn post (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6860904766105505792/) Monday. Bhargava, a former PayPal executive, said in the post that the subsidiary can now apply for licenses and open bank accounts.
The subsidiary has a "stretch goal" to deploy 200,000 Starlink user terminals in more than 160,000 rural districts in India by December 2022, per a company presentation that Bhargava shared on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sanjaybhargava_catalysing-rural-development-v1mp4-activity-6859873318200201216-HHWI/) last week…..
Starlink is also in talks with two telecommunications companies in the Philippines, where it also wants to launch its satellite service, Bloomberg (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-10-29/musk-s-starlink-in-talks-to-bring-fast-internet-to-philippines?sref=lAVQtUwz) first reported on Friday.
There are currently more than 1,650 Starlink satellites (https://planet4589.org/space/stats/star/starstats.html) in orbit. The company's goal is to have 42,000 by mid-2027 (https://www.businessinsider.com/how-elon-musk-42000-starlink-satellites-earth-effects-stars-2020-10?r=US&IR=T) in order to create an internet service which stretches across the world.
Is that so the terminals can be shipped to Russia when no one is looking?
Is that so the terminals can be shipped to Russia when no one is looking?
If it was I’m sure the State Department, NSA and CIA would pay for them up front.
Having 200K terminals where the Kremlin has no control over the content, they can b3 turned off at will and, I am sure, they could monitor any internet and mail traffic they wish, would be like all the Christmases come at once….
Looks like they’re going for a full UK rollout of Starlink…
https://twitter.com/spacex/status/1634296694933422080?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A
Starlink provides high-speed internet throughout the United Kingdom. Now offering hardware rentals for £15/month with a one-time £99 activation today. Get game changing internet from space 🚀
https://www.starlink.com/?twclid=2-79spmoxjcz8ymgp90n7y321bz&referral=RC-1005-78098-9&utm_source=Twitter%20Ads
What is interesting here is SpaeceX/Starlink breaking into the B2B market where OneWeb, Eutelsat etc expected to dominate whilst they concentrated on selling to the consumer market….
https://x.com/sawyermerritt/status/1696743130416992716?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A
NEWS: Japanese telecom operator KDDI & @SpaceX have announced an agreement to provide satellite cellular service using SpaceX's Starlink & KDDI's wireless spectrum nationwide.
This will enhance KDDI's cellular connectivity to areas beyond the limits of traditional 4G/5G networks
https://driveteslacanada.ca/news/spacex-gets-fcc-approval-for-two-new-starlink-dishes/
SpaceX gets FCC approval for two new Starlink dishes
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX’s application to introduce two new Starlink dishes (https://driveteslacanada.ca/spacex/starlink-dish-about-the-size-of-a-laptop-spotted-in-fcc-filing/), one of which is smaller and more portable than its predecessors.
The first of these new dishes approved by the FCC measures 11.4 inches by 9.8 inches, approximately the size of an Apple MacBook. With its smaller form factor, it opens the door to an array of possibilities for improved connectivity as the compact size not only simplifies installation but also offers users greater flexibility in choosing where to place it compared to the current dish, which measures 20.2 inches by 11.9 inches.
The second dish is a little larger than the current generation, measuring 22.4 inches by 14.7 inches. The larger size isn’t just for look as it is a high-performance option that outperforms SpaceX’s previous fixed models, reports PC Mag (https://me.pcmag.com/en/networking/19407/fcc-approves-new-mini-starlink-dish).
Both of these new models are designed to communicate seamlessly with both first- and second-generation Starlink satellites, promising a more reliable and efficient connection for subscribers. Specifics regarding a launch date, official pricing, or potential speed enhancements were not published in the application.
Unfortunately the FCC’s approval only covers the “fixed” or stationary use of these new Starlink dishes. SpaceX had sought approval to also deploy these dishes on vehicles, including cars, planes, and boats. However, the FCC is yet to issue a ruling on this matter due to interference concerns raised by Dish Network (https://driveteslacanada.ca/news/spacex-emerges-victorious-in-battle-with-dish-network-over-12ghz-spectrum/).
Note the coverage bith over Antarctica and the Arctic….
https://x.com/jimmyg/status/1741462354137935879?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A
The folks at @Starlink recently updated the map on their website (starlink.com/map) to also show performance data at sea. For comparison, I’ve attached our map displaying the average latency data for the Starlink Flat High Performance terminals sold by my team at @Elcome_Intl.
This data is for the last five weeks. Lighter colors indicate lower latency with the scale (white to dark blue) being from 40-150ms of latency between the Starlink and the PoP (point of preference…where the customer’s traffic connects to the Internet).
Next week we are delivering our 1,000th Starlink Flat High Performance kit…a significant milestone for us as that’s approximately the number of traditional maritime VSATs we installed over the past 20 years.
In December, we have provided our Starlink maritime customers over 600TB of Mobile Priority data which they have consumed at an average aggregate bandwidth of 1.6 Gbps. The average daily traffic was 27GB per day, while the peak single day consumption by a vessel in December was 768GB.
The average network availability was 99.4%, and the peak speeds achieved by any vessel was 361 Mbps download and 111 Mbps upload. Average latency was 77ms and average signal quality was 95%.….
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1213x756/image_9ae521c86663486399f5bd527aef98d7d929a4f4.png
IBMJunkman
1st Jan 2024, 11:19
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/700x828/img_3429_7a147729c10d714b2148c708fe10de8b2607917a.jpeg
https://x.com/spacex/status/1742666503659405715?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A
View of last night’s @Starlink satellite deployment, including the first six with Direct to Cell capabilities.
https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1742396904619581642?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A
This will allow for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth.
Note, this only supports ~7Mb per beam and the beams are very big, so while this is a great solution for locations with no cellular connectivity, it is not meaningfully competitive with existing terrestrial cellular networks.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2024/01/14/bt-elon-musk-starlink-broadband-offer/
BT in talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink for broadband offer
BT is in talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink over a satellite phone and broadband service that could help tackle the plague of so-called rural not spots. The telecoms giant is testing Starlink equipment (https://12ft.io/proxy?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Fus%2Fnews%2F2023 %2F10%2F29%2Felon-musk-supply-starlink-internet-aid-organisations-gaza%2F) at its Adastral Park research centre near Ipswich as it explores ways to deliver connections to hard-to-reach areas.
Mr Musk’s company operates a network of roughly 5,000 satellites, (https://12ft.io/proxy?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Fbusiness%2F2023% 2F02%2F09%2Fukraine-accused-weaponising-elon-musks-starlink-satellites%2F)which orbit 350 miles above the earth and beam down signals. BT has been mulling using the network for broadband services, but bosses are also keen to harness the technology to improve mobile signals.
The former telecoms monopoly has previously signed adhoc deals with Mr Musk’s company outside the UK. However, no formal agreement has yet been reached in Britain. Should BT sign a direct to mobile deal with Starlink, (https://12ft.io/proxy?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Ftechnology%2F202 1%2F03%2F19%2Fministers-talks-elon-musks-starlink-rural-broadband-push%2F) it may need to secure a special licence from regulator Ofcom….
Starlink this week conducted its first successful test of the satellites to send and receive text messages with unmodified smartphones.
Talks are currently focused on BT’s business offering, allowing the company to deliver mobile and broadband services to remote sites (https://12ft.io/proxy?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Ftechnology%2F202 1%2F06%2F26%2Fbt-takes-elon-musk-oneweb-rural-broadband-deal%2F) such as oil rigs and mines. But the technology is also expected to be rolled out to consumers in an effort to plug gaps that traditional cables and masts cannot reach.
The Government has teamed up with mobile operators on a £1bn plan to tackle rural “not spots”. However, the venture has suffered a major setback after The Telegraph last year revealed (https://12ft.io/proxy?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Fbusiness%2F2023% 2F10%2F22%2Fimprove-mobile-coverage-rural-areas-delayed%2F) that Vodafone, Three and Virgin Media O2 have warned the first stage of the plan will be delayed by up to two years.
BT, which has more mobile masts than its rivals and is contributing to phase one separately, is understood to have hit the initial target of covering 88pc of the UK’s landmass six months ahead of schedule.
Satellite technology is growing in popularity as businesses and consumers look for solutions to connectivity issues… around 42,000 UK customers had connected to Starlink’s network at the end of last year, a sharp increase from 13,000 in 2022, according to figures from Ofcom.
Starlink’s hardware, dubbed a “terminal”, can be purchased from around £450, while users pay a monthly charge of £75.
Sources said Mr Musk’s company had been pushing for BT to sell terminals to its customers. However, it is understood the mobile network operator does not want to become a reseller and would rather use satellite technology to improve its own services…..
https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/150868/spacex-to-deorbit-100-starlink-satellites-due-to-potential-flaw
SpaceX to Deorbit 100 Starlink Satellites Due to Potential Flaw
As a precaution, SpaceX plans on deorbiting 100 first-generation Starlink (https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/142905/starlink) satellites, citing a potential flaw that could one day cause the satellites to completely fail.
As a result, the satellites will descend toward Earth before disintegrating in the planet’s atmosphere. “Starlink satellites are also fully demisable by design, meaning that the risk to those on the ground, in the air, or at sea from a deorbiting satellite is effectively zero as the satellites burn up during reentry,” SpaceX said on Monday.
The deorbiting will have no impact on Starlink customers, SpaceX says. Even though the network is losing 100 satellites, the network overall (https://planet4589.org/space/con/star/stats.html) has more than 5,400 working satellites.
The company made the announcement (https://api.starlink.com/public-files/Commitment%20to%20Space%20Sustainability.pdf) while highlighting SpaceX’s “commitment to space sustainability.” Over the years, the satellite network's growing size has attracted scrutiny over potential orbital hazards (https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/138638/nasa-worries-spacexs-second-gen-starlink-network-poses-orbital-hazard) to other space projects, or even dangerous debris (https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/149092/spacex-blasts-faa-report-that-mentions-risk-of-starlink-causing-dangerous-debris) falling to Earth.
However, SpaceX says the Starlink network was designed to prevent itself from becoming a space risk. Each satellite features an “autonomous collision avoidance” system, along with ion thrusters, so that it can maneuver in Earth’s orbit. Atmospheric drag will also cause all Starlink satellites to deorbit and burn up in the atmosphere in five years or less, even if engine maneuverability is lost.
Starlink didn't elaborate on the flaw in these early satellites. It said only that the “Starlink team identified a common issue in this small population of satellites that could increase the probability of failure in the future.”
Although the 100 satellites continue to function, SpaceX decided to deorbit them while it still can, rather than risk losing its ability to do so should a complete failure arise.
“The satellites will follow a safe, circular, and controlled lowering operation that should take approximately six months for most of the vehicles,” the company added. “All satellites will maintain maneuverability and collision avoidance capabilities during the descent.”
SpaceX adds that it’s already deorbited 406 satellites. “Of those, 17 are currently non-maneuverable, passively decaying, but well-tracked to help mitigate collision risk with other active satellites,” the company said. “The other 95% of satellites the Starlink team initiated controlled descent for have already de-orbited.”
SpaceX filings to the FCC has revealed that some of these previously deorbited Starlink satellites were decommissioned due to malfunctions or hardware flaws found in the equipment.
treadigraph
14th Feb 2024, 09:02
Oh good, will we all be treated to some predictable upper atmosphere fireworks?
Since you ask.
May, or may not, be coincidental…..
https://youtu.be/aiLNBsoxjVo?si=67LTd8syGq8eD7WI
treadigraph
14th Feb 2024, 18:14
I was going to give that a like but this part of the forum hasn't yet got the option!
Yeah be good to get a heads up if these things are being managed - of course, even though they are designed to burn up totally, I guess its not impossible that some parts might make it through and dumping them in the ocean is a safer option.
https://x.com/13ericralph31/status/1766761315706835038?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A
SpaceX says Starlink has "2.6M+ customers" as of March 2024 - +300k in the last 11 weeks and +1.1M subs in the last 44 weeks! Growth has been extremely steady for >2 years, making extrapolation extra easy. If that pace remains steady, Starlink may have >3.5M subs by end of 2024….
https://www.twz.com/space/if-spacexs-secret-constellation-is-what-we-think-it-is-its-game-changing
If SpaceX’s Secret Constellation Is What We Think It Is, It’s Game Changing
A constellation of hundreds of sensor-equipped satellites would offer unprecedented strategic and tactical surveillance around the globe.
https://x.com/spacex/status/1776814753870168215?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A
Deployment of 21 @Starlink satellites confirmed.
The six with Direct to Cell capabilities have an advanced modem on board that act as a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner →
https://www.starlink.com/business/direct-to-cell
Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities enable ubiquitous access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters. Direct to Cell will also connect IoT devices with common LTE standards.
Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones wherever you can see the sky. No changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps are required, providing seamless access to text, voice, and data.
Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability have an advanced eNodeB modem onboard that acts like a cellphone tower in space, allowing network integration similar to a standard roaming partner.
Text 2024
Voice & Data 2025
IOT 2025