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Elon Musk Unveils Massive Next-Generation Starlink Satellites Supported by Starship
In a significant development for satellite technology, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, announced on Monday that the company’s upcoming generation of Starlink satellites will be so large that only the ambitious Starship launch vehicle will be capable of carrying them.
What Happened: Previously, SpaceX has relied on its Falcon rocket system to launch Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. However, Musk revealed that this new generation will be considerably larger, necessitating the use of the more powerful Starship, which he emphasized would enhance the satellites’ overall performance.
Recent Developments:
On Friday, SpaceX submitted a proposal to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to amend the operational parameters of its forthcoming satellites. The request includes lowering the orbit altitude of the new Starlink satellites, thereby positioning them closer to Earth, and seeking greater flexibility in radio frequency usage.
Musk asserted that these adjustments would pave the way for broadband services comparable to fiber optics, contributing to the alleviation of the digital divide affecting millions globally. “The next generation Starlink satellites will facilitate a tenfold increase in bandwidth and, due to the reduced altitude, significantly faster latency,” Musk stated.
Industry Impact:
Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering, had previously alluded to the transition of Starlink launches to the Starship platform. “The next generation Starlink satellite will launch on Starship and deliver gigabit connectivity around the globe,” Nicolls shared on social media. Starlink serves as the @Starlink satellite internet division of SpaceX.
The Starship launch vehicle is touted as the largest ever constructed, reaching approximately 121 meters in height and capable of lifting up to 150 metric tons into orbit. This dwarfs other SpaceX rockets like the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, which measure around 70 meters.
Despite its potential, the Starship is still undergoing extensive testing and refinement. Recent updates indicate that its last test flight successfully demonstrated the capability to recover the rocket’s booster shortly after launch, underscoring the innovative reusability aspect of the design.
This technological advancement suggests that SpaceX is not only pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering but is also set to revolutionize global internet access through its ambitious Starlink project.
For ongoing coverage on advancements in satellite technology, please visit Benzinga.
Source
finance.yahoo.com