Tag: SpaceX

  • iPhones Rumored to Offer Starlink Satellite Connectivity

    iPhones Rumored to Offer Starlink Satellite Connectivity

    Back in 2022, Apple introduced the iPhone 14 series, which came equipped with a crucial satellite connectivity feature aimed at saving lives. This capability has continued with the release of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models. Now, it appears that Apple is enhancing this technology through a confidential collaboration with SpaceX and T-Mobile.

    Partnership for Enhanced Connectivity

    According to a recent report from Bloomberg, the company from Cupertino is quietly collaborating with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Starlink satellite connectivity into iPhones. This initiative likely utilizes the partnership that T-Mobile and SpaceX announced in 2022. The report also indicates that T-Mobile has started testing this feature with a limited group of iPhone users.

    Current Status of the Feature

    At this moment, the feature is still in beta testing, so it may not provide a seamless experience just yet. However, users with iPhones running iOS 18.3, which was launched earlier this week, can access the feature. T-Mobile noted in their official communication regarding the Starlink beta that, “You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”

    Future Plans and Expectations

    For those who might not know, T-Mobile previously announced that Samsung Galaxy phones would also gain support for Starlink communication. Currently, the collaboration between T-Mobile and Starlink for Apple devices focuses solely on sending messages via satellite. Nonetheless, there are intentions to introduce voice calls and data services in the future. Earlier, there had been rumors of Apple working with GlobalStar for its satellite features, but now it seems the partnership with T-Mobile is expanding, with expectations that all users will gain access to this feature by the end of the year.

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  • Starlink Launches in 4 New Markets in Just 5 Days

    Starlink Launches in 4 New Markets in Just 5 Days

    Active since 2019, Elon Musk’s SpaceX subsidiary, Starlink, has deployed over 7,000 small satellites in low Earth orbit as part of its satellite internet constellation. The smallest of these satellites weigh about 500 pounds, while the largest can go beyond 2,700 pounds. The service first opened to a select group of users at the end of October 2020, which was more than five years after the public announcement in early 2015 when the SpaceX satellite development center started in Redmond, Washington. The full commercial rollout took place in early 2021, initially covering the US and Canada.

    Expanding Reach

    As of now, more than four million users are enjoying Starlink’s services across over 100 markets. Recently, four new regions were added to the network, starting Monday. Canada received the Starlink Mini, along with three small insular areas that previously had no access to the service. These areas are Nauru, Timor-Leste, and Cape Verde.

    Future Developments

    The official Starlink coverage map indicates that next year will see the addition of markets like Serbia, Montenegro, Turkey, Tunisia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Bolivia, and Cambodia. However, there are still territories with unspecified release dates for Starlink, including popular tourist locations such as Egypt, Thailand, and Taiwan. In the United States, the average download speed for Starlink users peaked above 100 Mbps but has since struggled to regain that level, currently hovering around 80 Mbps.

    For those interested in learning more about Starlink, “The Science Behind Starlink and How It Actually Works: A Comprehensive Analysis of Elon Musk’s Vision for a World Without Internet Boundaries” is available on Amazon for $7.99 in Kindle format, which is a 47% discount. The paperback version is priced at $14.99.

    Source: Link

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  • Starlink Mini Deal: 25% Off Dish & 40% Off Roam Plan

    Starlink Mini Deal: 25% Off Dish & 40% Off Roam Plan

    Despite Elon Musk’s thoughts that the Starlink Mini dish would be priced at half of what the Standard Kit costs, SpaceX has launched it at the full retail price of $599. This price was even higher than that of the larger dish, which was available with a promotional discount at the time.

    New Pricing for Standard Dish

    Since that initial release, SpaceX has further reduced the price of the standard Starlink dish to $349, which now appears to be its permanent price. Recently, however, the Starlink Mini kit experienced its first significant price drop from $599 to $449 at retailers like Best Buy, marking its lowest price ever.

    Extended Discount Offer

    Originally, this promotion was set to end on December 8, but SpaceX has begun notifying Residential plan subscribers via email that they can still acquire the Mini dish at the discounted price until December 31. The email also mentioned a discount on the roaming plan available for purchase.

    The communication from SpaceX states that customers who buy a Starlink Mini dish by the end of this month will enjoy the same $449 promotional price that was initially scheduled to expire on December 8.

    Roaming Plan Discount

    Additionally, purchasers will receive a 40% discount on the Roam plan, which allows the use of the Starlink Mini dish while traveling. It’s worth noting that this roaming plan applies only to the base option with a 50GB limit, available for $30/month, rather than the unlimited satellite internet plan priced at $165/month.

    For users of the Starlink Standard Kit on the Residential plan who frequently travel and wish to take a Starlink Mini dish along, this new bundle deal could be appealing as it reduces the cost of both the dish and the roaming plan.

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  • SpaceX’s Sixth Starship Flight: Success with Minor Issues

    SpaceX’s Sixth Starship Flight: Success with Minor Issues

    The prototype of SpaceX’s Starship rocket had its final test flight on Tuesday. President-elect Donald Trump and SpaceX’s CEO Elon Musk were present to see the largest rocket in the world take off from the launch pad. This sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship was nearly perfect, and the current version will be succeeded by a bigger and enhanced rocket model for the upcoming mission.

    Modifications Made

    Before the test flight, SpaceX engineers made some changes to the Starship by taking off over 2,000 heat shield tiles to reduce weight. Despite these adjustments, the rocket couldn’t carry a test payload of sensors and could only manage to transport a banana to show weightlessness.

    Flight Details

    The Starship rocket achieved an altitude of nearly 200 kilometers while reaching an impressive speed of 25,000 kilometers per hour. The two stages of the rocket separated at roughly 3,000 miles per hour, but unfortunately, there was a problem that stopped the super-heavy booster from being captured. The booster was intended to land back at the launch area in South Texas, but instead, it ended up making a water landing in the ocean.

    Successful Return

    As for the Starship spacecraft, it reached its intended orbit of 190 km in space as planned. There, one of its engines fired as expected to start the journey back to Earth. The re-entry into the atmosphere and landing in the Indian Ocean went off without a hitch. The Starship Block 1 test program has demonstrated its potential, but both stages of the rocket still require further development. The aim is to enable the reuse of both the Starship and its first stage in future missions.

    Source: Link,Link

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  • SpaceX Plans Starlink Upgrade for Gigabit Internet Speeds

    SpaceX Plans Starlink Upgrade for Gigabit Internet Speeds

    On October 11, 2024, SpaceX made a formal request to the FCC to modify several aspects of the Starlink Network. These modifications are part of SpaceX’s Gen2 NGSO satellite system, which the company says will introduce a range of enhancements. Specifically, the upgraded network aims to provide gigabit service to its customers. Additional improvements include reduced latency, widespread mobile connectivity, and adjustments to the network to accommodate the rising demand from users.

    Proposed Satellite Adjustments

    To boost the performance of the network, SpaceX is seeking to lower the altitude of three groups of satellites by approximately 8.5 percent from their current nominal height. SpaceX asserts that this adjustment will enhance space sustainability by decreasing the chances of collisions and shortening the time required for the post-mission disposal of Gen2 satellites. In simpler terms, this means that the satellites will have a lower risk of crashing into other objects and will disintegrate in the atmosphere more quickly once they reach the end of their operational life. The transition to a lower orbit will also facilitate the deployment of more satellites in the future, which is crucial given the growing demand for services, particularly in remote regions. Furthermore, SpaceX is looking to modify the number of satellites in each group to maximize coverage.

    Changes to Elevation Angles

    Along with lowering the nominal altitude, SpaceX is proposing a shift in the minimum elevation angle from 25 degrees to 20 degrees. This adjustment would extend the communication time between satellites and ground stations by allowing satellites to keep in touch even when they are closer to the horizon. Despite this potential benefit, there are worries that the lower altitude may interfere with other satellite systems, although SpaceX has provided evidence to counter these concerns.

    In conclusion, there are numerous reservations regarding these proposed modifications, and various stakeholders are opposed to them. Companies like Amazon, along with astronomers and regulatory bodies, have legitimate reasons for their opposition to SpaceX’s plans. For further information on the proposed changes, the full filing is available below.

    FCC filing via Ars Technica and Pixabay.

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  • Free Starlink Internet & Tesla Superchargers for Hurricane Relief

    Free Starlink Internet & Tesla Superchargers for Hurricane Relief

    Tesla is set to deploy mobile Superchargers in areas that require them to assist electric vehicle owners following Hurricane Milton, which is predicted to make landfall on Wednesday.

    Free Starlink Internet Access

    Moreover, SpaceX has revealed that it will offer 30 days of complimentary Starlink satellite Internet service for its customers located in regions impacted by the recent landfall along Florida’s coast, as well as in the Carolinas, Virginias, and Georgia.

    Emergency Alerts

    In response to Hurricane Helene, SpaceX has also received approval to send out emergency alerts through Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellites. They mentioned that they will attempt to send text messages whenever necessary. However, this service is currently limited to T-Mobile customers.

    Tesla’s mobile Superchargers are an intriguing development. The company began using them after previous hurricanes and also temporarily increased the range for select vehicle models. Additionally, they have been sending them to busy Supercharger sites that often see high traffic and long wait times.

    Dual Purpose of Mobile Megapack Chargers

    According to Tesla’s previous battery chief, Drew Baglino, the mobile Megapack Chargers serve two main functions: they offer extra capacity during holidays and special events like solar eclipses or rocket launches, while also aiding emergency services during evacuations or power shortages.

    Tesla’s charging infrastructure team has confirmed that they will make sure there are functional Supercharger stations available before Hurricane Milton arrives. After the hurricane makes landfall, the team is committed to restoration efforts and is ready to deploy mobile Superchargers powered by Megapacks in areas where charging access is significantly affected.

    How Mobile Superchargers Work

    The mobile Superchargers consist of units placed on flatbed trucks alongside large Megapack batteries. During peak demand periods, Tesla’s team moves them closer to Supercharger stations and uses the infrastructure to charge the Megapacks overnight. This way, they can provide additional charging options to electric vehicle owners during the busiest parts of the day.

    A similar plan will be activated when Hurricane Milton strikes, with Tesla positioning mobile Superchargers where they’re most needed. Tesla continues to recommend that owners with home charging options, like the Universal Wall Connector EV Charger, charge their vehicles to full capacity, ensuring they’re prepared for any power outages that may occur.

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  • SpaceX Unveils Starlink’s Revolutionary Space ‘Cellphone Towers’

    SpaceX Unveils Starlink’s Revolutionary Space ‘Cellphone Towers’

    The Evolution of Internet Connectivity: Elon Musk’s Starlink Initiative

    SpaceX, under the leadership of Elon Musk, has unveiled the deployment of 21 fresh Starlink satellites. While this development might be anticipated given Musk’s direct involvement, these satellites represent a distinct agenda – challenging established mobile network giants. This initiative is part of Musk’s grand venture, currently undergoing testing, aimed at transforming the landscape of internet accessibility.

    Redefining Connectivity in the Digital Age

    Launched a few years back, Starlink’s primary goal is to offer viable internet solutions to underserved territories via satellites encircling the Earth. Nonetheless, this service necessitates antennas and associated equipment to relay the signal to devices, hence falling short of being an optimal choice for certain users. Enter Starlink’s groundbreaking innovation – the inception of the inaugural ‘cellphone towers in space,’ specifically engineered for compatibility with smartphones.

    Unleashing the Capabilities of Starlink’s Satellites

    These fresh satellites, boasting speeds reaching up to 7 Mbps, are poised to cater to select locales like North America, aimed at fulfilling tasks reliant on lower internet speeds, such as transmitting textual messages. Although this might appear limited in comparison to the initial commitments of economical limitless internet access and voice calls, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Starlink is in its formative phase, teeming with the promise of substantial evolution.

    Envisioning Global Mobile Connectivity

    Musk has highlighted that these satellites will pave the way for universal mobile phone connectivity. Nevertheless, there exists a notable bandwidth constraint, with each signal beam supporting a mere 7 Mbps and encompassing a vast geographical scope. Musk elucidated that while this solution serves as a boon for regions devoid of cellular coverage, it does not pose a direct threat to existing terrestrial cellular networks.

    In essence, Elon Musk’s Starlink initiative is poised to redefine the domain of internet accessibility. Introducing ‘cellphone towers in space,’ the service aspires to furnish a more convenient and access-friendly alternative for users, especially in marginalized regions. Although bandwidth constraints persist, this marks only the initial phase for Starlink, promising monumental strides in the days to come.

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