1.
Abstract: Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, seeks to deliver global internet connectivity via
a constellation of tiny low-Earth orbit satellites. It provides high-speed internet with low latency,
and its price plans are suitable for residential, commercial, and mobile users. Starlink wants to
expand its coverage worldwide, revolutionizing internet access in underdeveloped areas.
2. Introduction: The Starlink satellite constellation system promises to provide global
internet connectivity. This technique is appropriate for rural and geographically isolated places
where internet access is intermittent or non-existent. Starlink, a SpaceX attempt to build a
worldwide broadband network, provides high-speed internet services via a constellation of low-
Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. SpaceX, or Space Exploration Technologies Corp., is a privately
held rocket and spacecraft business founded by Elon Musk in 2002.
2.1 How does Starlink work?
Starlink uses satellite internet service technology that has been around for decades. Instead than
employing cable technology like fibre optics to deliver internet data, a satellite system sends
radio signals across space. Ground stations send signals to satellites in orbit, which then transfer
the information to Starlink users on Earth. The Starlink constellation's satellites weigh 573
pounds and has a flat shape. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket can accommodate up to 60 satellites.
2.2 Objective: Starlink's goal is to build a low-latency network in orbit that will enable edge
computing on Earth. The task of building a worldwide network in space is not easy, especially
given the importance of low latency. To address this need, SpaceX has suggested a constellation
of over 42,000 tablet-sized satellites circling the globe in low orbit. CubeSats, which are small
satellites often employed in LEO, provide tight network coverage and low latency due to their
low Earth orbit.
However, Starlink isn't the only contender in the space race and has a few competitors, including
OneWeb,
HughesNet, Viasat and Amazon. HughesNet has been providing signal coverage from 22,000
miles above the Earth since 1996, but Starlink follows a slightly different approach and presents
the following improvements:
Instead of using a couple of large satellites, Starlink uses thousands of small satellites.
Starlink uses LEO satellites that circle the planet at only 300 miles above surface level. This
shortened geostationary orbit improves internet speeds and reduces latency levels.
The newest Starlink satellites have laser communication elements to transmit signals
between satellites, reducing dependency on multiple ground stations.
SpaceX aims to launch as many as 40,000 satellites in the near future, ensuring global and
remote satellite coverage with reduced service outages.
Starlink has the advantage of being part of SpaceX, which in addition to launching Starlink
satellites, also conducts regular partner launches. Other satellite internet providers may not
be able to schedule regular satellite launches due to the high-cost factors involved
2.3 How fast are Starlink's internet speeds?
Starlink provides unlimited high-speed data via a network of tiny satellites that can deliver up to
150 Megabits per second (Mbps). SpaceX intends to more than increase this rate in the following
months.
According to a recent Ookla Speedtest, Starlink had the fastest median download speed in
Lithuania in the first quarter of 2022, at 160 Mbps. Starlink also achieved 91 Mbps in the United
States, 97 Mbps in Canada, and 124 Mbps in Australia. With a median download speed of
105.91 Mbps, Starlink in Mexico was the fastest satellite internet provider in North America.
The Speedtest also indicated that upload speeds in the United States had dropped by at least
33%, from 16.29 Mbps in the first quarter of 2021 to 9.33 Mbps in the second quarter of 2022.
According to Starlink's website, it offers high speeds and latency as low as 20 milliseconds in
most locations.
2.4 How much does Starlink cost?
Starlink offers the following three internet packages:
Starlink Internet. This package is geared toward residential use and costs $110 per month
plus a one-time charge for the hardware of $599.
Starlink Business. The business package provides twice the antenna capability of the
residential offering along with faster internet speeds. It costs $500 per month with a one-time
equipment charge of $2,500.
Starlink RV. In June 2022, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission authorized
SpaceX to use Starlink with moving vehicles, including recreation vehicles, airlines, ships
and trucks. So, people on the road can now get access to the Starlink RV service for $135 per
month plus $599 for the hardware.
A user must input their address on Starlink's website to verify for service availability in their
area before requesting service. If the service is not yet accessible in their location, Starlink will
provide an estimated arrival date. The majority of consumers remain on the backlog for months,
and most waitlists have been extended until early 2023.
Starlink fills service requests on a first-come, first-served basis in coverage areas where service
is currently available. A buyer can secure a spot for service by preordering Starlink through their
website, which involves a $99 refundable deposit.
2.5 Where is Starlink available?
Starlink now serves 36 nations in locations with low coverage. In the United States, the business
intends to extend service to the remainder of the continental United States by the end of 2023.
Although a few nations, including Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, are noted as "Coming
Soon" on Starlink's coverage map, the company currently has no intentions to extend services to
Russia, China, Cuba, or North Korea.
The coverage map on the company's website shows where Starlink is available.
2.6 How to connect to Starlink?
Users who sign up for Starlink receive a Starlink kit, which contains a satellite dish, a dish
mount, and a Wi-Fi router base unit. Starlink also includes a power cord for the base unit as well
as a 75-foot wire to connect the dish to the router.
To use the service, Starlink customers must first set up the satellite dish to start receiving the
signal and pass the bandwidth to the router. The company offers various mounting options for
the dish, including for yards, rooftops and home exteriors. There's also a Starlink app
for Android and Apple iOS that uses augmented reality to guide users in selecting the best
location and position for their receivers.
2.7 How many Starlink satellites are in space?
As of July 24, 2022, SpaceX launched 53 satellites in what was the 33rd Starlink launch of 2022.
This follows a successful launch on July 22, 2022, in which 46 Starlink satellites were sent into
orbit. So far, the company has launched almost 3,000 satellites in low Earth orbit
References
1. http://www.spacex.com/starlink
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