Post by Astronomy God on May 8, 2024 1:44:46 GMT
Most satellite internet services come from single geostationary satellites that orbit the planet at 35,786 km. As a result, the round trip data time between the user and satellite—also known as latency—is high, making it nearly impossible to support streaming, online gaming, video calls or other high data rate activities.
Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that orbit the planet much closer to Earth, at about 550km, and cover the entire globe. Because Starlink satellites are in a low orbit, latency is significantly lower—around 25 ms vs 600+ ms.
SINGULAR SOLAR ARRAY
Starlink satellites feature a single solar array, significantly simplifying the system. Solar cells are standardized, and easy to integrate into the manufacturing process.
LESS MASS, MORE COMPACT
Each satellite features a compact, flat-panel design that minimizes volume, allowing for a dense launch stack to take full advantage of the launch capabilities of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
AUTONOMOUS COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Starlink satellites autonomously maneuver to avoid collisions with orbital debris and other spacecraft. This capability reduces human error and provides exceptional reliability, exceeding the industry standard by an order of magnitude.
STAR TRACKER
Starlink’s custom-built navigation sensors survey the stars to determine each satellite’s location, altitude, and orientation, enabling precise placement of broadband throughput.
OPTICAL SPACE LASERS
Starlink is testing fully operational, optical space lasers (Optical Intersatellite Links or ISLs) on its satellites, which allow the spacecraft to transmit data without local ground stations, providing truly global coverage.
ANTENNAS
Each Starlink satellite uses 4 powerful phased array antennas and 2 parabolic antennas to provide increased capacity.
ION PROPULSION SYSTEMS
Efficient ion thrusters, powered by krypton, enable Starlink satellites to orbit raise, maneuver in space, and deorbit at the end of their useful life. Starlink is the first krypton propelled spacecraft ever flown.
SINGULAR SOLAR ARRAY
Starlink satellites feature a single solar array, significantly simplifying the system. Solar cells are standardized, and easy to integrate into the manufacturing process.
LESS MASS, MORE COMPACT
Each satellite features a compact, flat-panel design that minimizes volume, allowing for a dense launch stack to take full advantage of the launch capabilities of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
EASY TO SET UP
Starlink is the first commercially available phased array antenna. The Starlink Kit arrives with everything you need to get online in minutes. It connects in minutes as long as it has a clear view of the sky.
Starlink can withstand extreme cold, heat, hail, sleet, heavy rain, gale force winds, and even rocket engines.
REGULAR ACCESS TO SPACE
As the world’s leading provider of launch services, SpaceX is the only satellite operator with the ability to launch its own satellites as needed. With frequent, low-cost launches, Starlink satellites are constantly updated with the newest technology.
LEADER IN SPACE SUSTAINABILITY
Starlink not only leads the industry in innovations to reduce satellite brightness, but also on-orbit debris mitigation—meeting or exceeding all regulatory and industry standards.
Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that orbit the planet much closer to Earth, at about 550km, and cover the entire globe. Because Starlink satellites are in a low orbit, latency is significantly lower—around 25 ms vs 600+ ms.
SINGULAR SOLAR ARRAY
Starlink satellites feature a single solar array, significantly simplifying the system. Solar cells are standardized, and easy to integrate into the manufacturing process.
LESS MASS, MORE COMPACT
Each satellite features a compact, flat-panel design that minimizes volume, allowing for a dense launch stack to take full advantage of the launch capabilities of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
AUTONOMOUS COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Starlink satellites autonomously maneuver to avoid collisions with orbital debris and other spacecraft. This capability reduces human error and provides exceptional reliability, exceeding the industry standard by an order of magnitude.
STAR TRACKER
Starlink’s custom-built navigation sensors survey the stars to determine each satellite’s location, altitude, and orientation, enabling precise placement of broadband throughput.
OPTICAL SPACE LASERS
Starlink is testing fully operational, optical space lasers (Optical Intersatellite Links or ISLs) on its satellites, which allow the spacecraft to transmit data without local ground stations, providing truly global coverage.
ANTENNAS
Each Starlink satellite uses 4 powerful phased array antennas and 2 parabolic antennas to provide increased capacity.
ION PROPULSION SYSTEMS
Efficient ion thrusters, powered by krypton, enable Starlink satellites to orbit raise, maneuver in space, and deorbit at the end of their useful life. Starlink is the first krypton propelled spacecraft ever flown.
SINGULAR SOLAR ARRAY
Starlink satellites feature a single solar array, significantly simplifying the system. Solar cells are standardized, and easy to integrate into the manufacturing process.
LESS MASS, MORE COMPACT
Each satellite features a compact, flat-panel design that minimizes volume, allowing for a dense launch stack to take full advantage of the launch capabilities of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
EASY TO SET UP
Starlink is the first commercially available phased array antenna. The Starlink Kit arrives with everything you need to get online in minutes. It connects in minutes as long as it has a clear view of the sky.
Starlink can withstand extreme cold, heat, hail, sleet, heavy rain, gale force winds, and even rocket engines.
REGULAR ACCESS TO SPACE
As the world’s leading provider of launch services, SpaceX is the only satellite operator with the ability to launch its own satellites as needed. With frequent, low-cost launches, Starlink satellites are constantly updated with the newest technology.
LEADER IN SPACE SUSTAINABILITY
Starlink not only leads the industry in innovations to reduce satellite brightness, but also on-orbit debris mitigation—meeting or exceeding all regulatory and industry standards.