What is Starlink?
In January 15, SpaceX announced a new communication network, a satellite constellation, Starlink. It occurs from thousands of small satellites (250kg) in low Earth orbit which cooperates with transceivers on the ground. The SpaceX development facility is in Redmond, Washington. Researching, developing, manufacturing of Starlink satellites has been performing from there. According to SpaceX's announcement in May 2018, project's total cost will be at least US$10 billion.
What is Starlink's goal?
According to the Elon Musk, the project's goal is to provide cheap and fast satellite internet connection all around the world. Of course, it is tip of the iceberg. For example, in the stock market, every second and even milliseconds are really important to make money. Every other competitor in internet providing area will be beaten by Starlink with it's connection speed. Also, armies may use it to have special and safe networks for extraordinary situations. Lastly, citizens who are living in repressive regimes may have access the internet without restrictions.
When can Starlink be used?
SpaceX has been launching test or observation satellites since 22 February 2018. In April 2020, Elon Musk stated in Twitter that Starlink private beta will start in 3 months, and public beta in 3 months after that. So, the beta test has been around for a while. You can check your region's availability and sign for the beta from Starlink's website. (Obviously, it is available for Elon Musk. Check here.) President of the SpaceX, Gwynne Shotwell stated that she can't say a certain time for the full release other than 2021. She also added that they have to get permissions from target countries. Lastly, the price for user terminals of Starlink are also not certain but authorities says that it will be about $80 a month.
Does Starlink have any harm?
As always, all good things have a bad side. By 2025 no less than 11,943 of his satellites will circle the Earth, and if permission are granted by the international space authorities, the ultimate result would be a staggering 42,000. According to the astronomers, "... the number of visible satellites will outnumber visible stars and that their brightness in both optical and radio wavelengths will severely impact scientific observations.". Also, Starlink satellites may cause light pollution on the sky. Lastly, with the enormous number of satellites in orbit may cause space debris.
So, what do you think? Will this be successful in the future or is it just a dream? Would you use it if you could? Do you trust this project? Let me know in comments. ( Unfortunately, unlike Elon Musk, I am not sending this post through space via Starlink satellite.)
Resources
- https://spacenews.com/spacex-plans-to-start-offering-starlink-broadband-services-in-2020/
- https://phys.org/news/2020-05-costly-collateral-elonmusk-starlink-satellite.html
- https://www.starlink.com
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starlink#Competition_and_market_effects
- https://techcrunch.com/2020/04/23/elon-musk-says-starlink-internet-private-beta-to-begin-in-roughly-three-months-public-beta-in-six/
- https://www.reviews.org/internet-service/spacex-starlink-satellite-internet-review/
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