The Vision Behind Starlink

SpaceX first revealed its ambitions for satellite internet back in 2015. Initially, CEO Elon Musk announced intentions to place around 4,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, but the vision has since expanded to a mega-constellation of roughly 42,000 satellites. This ambitious plan has raised alarms within the International Astronomical Union, which we'll delve into later.

In February 2018, SpaceX successfully launched two test satellites as part of the Starlink project, followed by the deployment of sixty satellites on May 23, 2019. As of early 2024, more than 4,800 satellites are operational, offering broadband coverage across North America, much of South America, Australia, Japan, parts of Africa, and nearly all of Europe. Users can access the internet via equipment (antenna and router) provided by SpaceX.

Quality and Pricing

Starlink offers subscribers unlimited data (though this may vary by region) at prices ranging from $65 to $120. Previously, a limit of 100 GB per month per user was enforced, which proved inadequate for modern internet consumption; for instance, 100 GB would barely cover a couple of high-quality seasons of a series. Fortunately, this cap has been lifted in many areas, including Europe and the U.S.

Each subscriber receives an equipment package comprising an antenna for signal reception and a Wi-Fi router. The antenna must be installed outdoors, meaning that adverse weather conditions can significantly affect connection quality.

SpaceX claims data speeds between 50 Mbps and 200 Mbps, with latency ranging from 15 ms to 40 ms—comparable to standard cable internet. However, some users express dissatisfaction with the initial setup and service costs. In the U.S. and Europe, the equipment package alone costs between $500 and $700. In the UK, for example, the terminal is priced at £439, with an additional £54 for shipping, bringing the total initial cost (including the first month's subscription) to £582, which many consider steep despite promotional discounts of up to 25%.

Concerns from the Astronomical Community

The International Astronomical Union has voiced significant concerns regarding the planned satellite launches. The sheer number of satellites could hinder astronomical observations due to light reflection.

Once deployed, the satellites are visible to the naked eye, although they become less noticeable at their operational altitude. However, telescopes can still detect them. In response to these concerns, SpaceX has implemented measures like applying special coatings to the satellites to reduce sunlight glare. Yet, completely eliminating the reflection issue proves challenging, as darker surfaces could lead to overheating. Additionally, Starlink's operations may interfere with radio telescopes.

Elon Musk has reassured the public, stating, “I’m confident we will not cause any impact on astronomical discoveries. Zero. That’s my prediction. We will take corrective action if it’s above zero.” Currently, SpaceX is actively working to address these challenges.

The first video discusses the limitations of Starlink's internet speed and what needs to change for improvements.

The second video examines whether satellite networks like Starlink could disrupt the night sky for astronomers.