Are you wondering what is Starlink Satellite? How does it work? And which services it provides. Then you have landed on the right article, as we have discussed everything about Starlink, from its features to its availability in this article.
What is Starlink Satellite?
Starlink satellite is a satellite constellation that provides internet service and is operated by SpaceX. SpaceX is a satellite company owned by Elon Musk. Through the Starlink satellite, SpaceX aims to provide high-speed and low-latency internet connections across the globe, focusing on the parts that are underserved by the traditional satellites.
Since its launch in 2015, Starlink has launched more than 9,900 active satellites in Earth’s orbit and plans to make it more than 40,000. 84% of these satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This results in lower latency and faster data transfer in comparison to the traditional geostationary satellites orbiting at a much higher altitude.
How Does Starlink Work?
Starlink works on the basic principles of any other satellite communication company, which involves beaming internet data, but not with cables but instead with radio signals through the vacuum of space. The Ground Stations on the Earth then broadcast the signals to the orbiting satellites, and then they relay the data back to the users on Earth. However, the differentiating factor for Starlink is the volume of satellites and low latency.
The majority of satellite internet providers bounce signals from a single satellite. These geostationary satellites are the size of a bus and orbit 22,000 miles away from the Earth’s surface. Traditional satellites have an average speed of 31 megabits per second, and the maximum it can go is 100 megabits per second.
In comparison, Starlink’s satellites are 22 feet long and are stationed to orbit at an altitude that is 60 times lower. The lower altitude and mass number of satellites result in close proximity and higher internet performance, with the speed ranging from 20 to 250 megabits per second.
Starlink satellite technology works on a consumer’s end using a Starlink kit. The kit needs to be first purchased, and then you can assemble all the parts without needing any professional help. The Starlink kit includes a Starlink satellite dish with a mounting tripod, base, power supply/Wi-Fi router, and cables. The installation process is simple; first follow the instructions to set up the hardware, and then place the dish in a location where it is exposed to the sky.
Starlink Satellite Features
Starlink’s satellite is different than traditional satellites in many aspects, and one of them is its feature.
Design
Each of SpaceX’s satellites features a design that is compact and has a flat panel to minimize the volume. This minimizing volume feature allows the dense launch stack to take full advantage of SpaceX’s Falcon9 rocket launch capabilities.
Tracking
Starlink Satellite contains a custom-built navigation sensor system to survey the stars to locate the altitude and orientation of each satellite to enable very precise placement of each broadband throughput.
Antennas
To provide an increased capacity, each of Starlink’s satellites uses 2 parabolic antennas and a set of 4 powerful phased array antennas.
True Global Coverage
Starlink is working on testing fully operational optical space lasers, also known as Optical Intersatelite Links or ISLs, on its satellites. These ISLs will allow the spacecraft to transfer the data without the need for ground stations. Also, a total of 6,350 Starlink satellites are in orbit right now, and Starlink plans to launch more. The ISLs, along with the increasing number of satellites, provide full global coverage.
Collision Avoidance
Starlink satellites, by default, operate in such an order that avoids collisions with other spacecraft and orbital debris. This functionality reduces human error to a great extent and is reliable. Thus, it exceeds the standard of the industry by an order of magnitude.
How Much Does Starlink Satellite Cost?
Starlink internet setup is costly in comparison to the other network providers, but it provides faster speed. There are a total of three internet packages: Starlink Internet, Starlink Business, and Starlink RV.
- Starlink Internet: The Starlink Internet package is for residential use and requires a one-time installation of hardware costing $599 with a monthly cost of $110.
- Starlink Business: The business package of Starlink is costly and comes at an equipment charge of $2,500 with a monthly pay of $500. Its antenna capability is twice that of the residential package, and it also promises faster internet speed.
- Starlink RV: In 2022, SpaceX was authorized by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to use Starlink for moving vehicles like trucks, ships, and airlines. Now, people can access Starlink’s RV service for a monthly pay of $135 plus $599 for hardware.
Starlink works on a first-come, first-served basis, so customers can preorder their service through Starlink’s website. Customers will just have to deposit a refundable amount of $99 to reserve a spot.
Availability
The Starlink Satellite has expanded its business and is currently available in a total of 105 countries. The new countries on the list are Ghana and Botswana, including 15 countries in Africa. The company is also trying to step foot into the Asian territories and is making great progress in many countries in a short span of time. However, Starlink currently has no plans to introduce its services to several countries, including Russia, Cuba, North Korea, and China.
FAQs
Q: How many Starlink satellites are in orbit?
In August 2024, there will be a total of 6,350 Starlink satellites in the Earth’s orbit.
Q: Can you use Starlink during bad weather conditions?
Yes, you can use Starlink during horrid weather conditions, but it is advised for users to install Starlink in a place that does not have snow buildup. Also, heavy rain or wind can affect the speed of the internet connection.
Q: How many Starlink satellites have failed?
There are only 20 Starlink satellites that have failed out of all the satellites that are launched.
Conclusion
We hope that now you have a clear understanding of what is Starlink Satellite, as it is undoubtedly an exciting and much-needed internet provider for rural areas. However, as of now, the service is slow, and it is on the expensive side as compared to the other providers. But the low latency, advanced technology, and high-speed potential make it worth it.
