SpaceX launches 1,000 satellites for Starlink

Mar, 2021 - By SMI

On February 08, 2021, the Elon Musk owned SpaceX has released over 1,000 satellites after its public beta test service crosses a milestone.

As the newest achievement in its portfolio, SpaceX introduced the Starlink’s public beta test service back in October 2020. Starlink has been sending invites to the people of North America since November. As of February 2021, Starlink’s space-based internet service has crossed 10,000 users with a subscription rate of US$ 99 per month. The pre-orders of this service has started worldwide with higher order placed from U.S., New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. The low-orbit internet service will be provided on the basis of first-come first-serve, as the availability is limited as per the location. On this occasion, the SpaceX has launched 1,000 satellites into the orbit.

This satellite-based service will be providing lifeline and voice services along with the internet services. The SpaceX said that it has the capacity of launching maximum 60 satellites at once. Around 40% of the satellites launched by SpaceX can be operated as of now. The low-orbit satellites of Starlink will be orbiting at 340 miles from the Earth’s surface. This height will enable lower latency rate which is essential for high-definition video streaming and gaming experience. The conventional satellites are usually at a distance of 22,000 miles above the Earth’s surface which would result in slow internet speeds. On activation of the satellites, the broadband service of Starlink will deliver internet speed higher than 100 mbps. SpaceX is planning to target the people residing the remote locations with its invite-only beta messages on smartphones.

Elon Musk claimed that the Starlink will get included in the public listings once the cash flow is predicted for this service. It will create new opportunities for the investors to own shares in this space company.