Starlink
Industry skeptical about the business case for megaconstellations
Companies that have demonstrated the technical viability of broadband satellite megaconstellations now face a bigger challenge: closing the business case.
SpaceX emphasizes coordination with other satellite operators
Two years after the close approach of a Starlink satellite with a European Space Agency satellite alarmed some in the space industry, SpaceX says it’s working closely with a wide range of satellite operators to ensure safe space operations.
SpaceX launches first dedicated polar Starlink mission
SpaceX launched its first dedicated polar Starlink mission Sept. 13 as the company moves into the next phase of deployment of its broadband satellite constellation.
SpaceX’s Starlink broadband to be available in Japan’s remote areas next year
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband service will be available in Japan’s remote areas starting in 2022.
SpaceX to increase Starlink antenna production rate
SpaceX plans to introduce a new version of its user terminal for its Starlink system later this year that will be less expensive to produce while also scaling up production.
U.K. to strengthen regulations for Starlink, OneWeb and other NGSO constellations
British telecoms regulator Ofcom is proposing rule changes that would affect Starlink, OneWeb and other satellite constellations operating in non-geostationary orbits (NGSO).
OneWeb hits coverage goal with latest launch, sets sights on southern regions
OneWeb is shifting focus to the southern hemisphere after completing coverage north of 50 degrees latitude, following the launch of its latest batch of broadband satellites July 1.
Foust Forward | The sky isn’t falling (yet)
When SpaceX launched the first set of 60 Starlink satellites, the unexpected appearance of the satellites in twilight skies as a bright string of pearls dismayed astronomers. With SpaceX planning to launch potentially tens of thousands of such satellites, astronomers had visions — or, more accurately, nightmares — of a ruined night sky.
SpaceX aiming for July for Starship orbital launch despite regulatory reviews
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell says the company is “shooting for July” for the first orbital launch of the company’s Starship vehicle despite lacking the regulatory approvals needed for such a launch.
SpaceX sets Falcon 9 fairing reuse mark with Starlink launch
A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched another set of Starlink satellites May 26 on a launch that highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of the company’s reusability efforts.
Viasat asks FCC to halt Starlink launches while it seeks court ruling
Satellite operator Viasat is asking the FCC to stop SpaceX from launching more Starlink satellites as it heads to court to compel a thorough environmental review of the rapidly growing megaconstellation.
Europe making progress on sovereign LEO constellation as OneWeb and Starlink race ahead
The industry consortium devising a satellite network to keep the European Union from falling too far behind the megaconstellation goldrush is weeks away from nailing down key criteria.
Starlink teams up with Google for ground infrastructure
SpaceX will install ground stations within Google’s data centers for its Starlink broadband satellites under a new cloud partnership.
SpaceX sets booster reuse milestone on Starlink launch
SpaceX launched a set of Starlink satellites May 9 on a Falcon 9 whose first stage was making its tenth flight, a long-awaited goal in the company’s reusability efforts.
SpaceX continues Starlink deployment with latest launch
SpaceX continued the deployment of its Starlink broadband megaconstellation May 4 with the second launch of 60 satellites in less than a week.
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites
SpaceX launched another set of Starlink satellites April 28, its first since the FCC approved a modification that allows the company to operate more satellites in lower orbits.
FCC approves Starlink license modification
The FCC approved a modification of SpaceX’s license for its Starlink constellation, allowing the company to operate more than 2,800 additional satellites in lower orbits.
SpaceX and OneWeb spar over satellite close approach
An alleged close approach between satellites from OneWeb and SpaceX led to a meeting between the companies and the FCC, but the companies don’t completely agree on what resulted from that discussion.
SpaceX adds to latest funding round
SpaceX has added more than $300 million to a fundraising round announced earlier this year to support continued work on its Starship launch system and Starlink satellite constellation.
