Tag: SpaceX

  • Starlink V3: Boeing 737-Sized Satellite for 10x Faster Internet

    Starlink V3: Boeing 737-Sized Satellite for 10x Faster Internet

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX will launch advanced Starlink V3 satellites, expected to enter a lower Earth orbit by early 2026.
    2. Each V3 satellite is nearly the size of a Boeing 737 and will be deployed using the new Mars-capable Starship 3 rocket.
    3. The satellites will be positioned at 350 km altitude, reducing latency to below 20 milliseconds, with potential for as low as 5 ms.
    4. V3 satellites will provide download speeds of 1 Tbps and upload speeds of 160 Gbps, significantly faster than current models.
    5. New Starlink satellite Internet equipment will be released, initially targeting enterprise customers for the enhanced gigabit speeds.


    SpaceX is set to begin the launch of its advanced Starlink V3 satellites, which are expected to enter a lower Earth orbit this year or by early 2026.

    Size and Design

    Elon Musk revealed during his keynote “Road to Making Life Multiplanetary” that each Starlink V3 satellite is nearing the dimensions of a Boeing 737. These substantial satellites will be deployed into orbit using the new, Mars-capable Starship 3 rocket, which is anticipated to be operational by the year’s end.

    Improved Performance

    The new satellites will be positioned at a lower altitude of 350 km, a reduction from the current orbit of 550 km. This adjustment will allow Starlink V3 to provide significantly lower latency, dipping below 20 milliseconds, which is ideal for gaming. Musk even hinted at playing Diablo while airborne, noting that the latency could potentially reach as low as 5 ms.

    In addition to the lower orbit benefits, the Starlink V3 satellites promise faster Internet connections and reduced latency. This is due to the laser beams transmitting data packets, which move 40% quicker than fiber optics in a vacuum.

    Enhanced Speed

    The V3 satellites, once fully deployed, will achieve download speeds of 1 Tbps, which is over ten times faster than the current V2 models. For uploads, the enhancements are even more impressive, offering speeds that are 24 times faster, reaching 160 Gbps.

    Furthermore, the new Starship 3 rockets, comparable in size to a 747, will enable SpaceX to launch twice the number of V3 satellites into orbit with each mission, despite each satellite weighing nearly two tons. This capability leads to projections of SpaceX potentially sending 5,000 Starlink satellites into orbit per year.

    Musk mentioned that the V3 satellites, which offer enhanced Internet speeds, reduced latency, and increased subscriber capacity, are set for launch within the next six to nine months, promising significant improvements in Starlink satellite Internet coverage by next year.

    Upcoming Equipment

    Additionally, SpaceX is gearing up to release new Starlink satellite Internet equipment designed to utilize these groundbreaking gigabit speeds, although these kits are likely to be available primarily for enterprise customers at first.

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  • Starship Mars Landing in 2027: Optimus Robots to Colonize

    Starship Mars Landing in 2027: Optimus Robots to Colonize

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX plans to build the Mars-ready Starship 3 rocket by 2025, with five rockets set for launch to Mars in late 2026, aiming for a landing in 2027.

    2. The 2026 mission will not include humans but will deploy Optimus robots to demonstrate key technologies for Mars travel and landing.

    3. In 2028, SpaceX aims to launch up to 20 Starship rockets to establish infrastructure for future crewed missions to Mars, with missions planned every two years.

    4. Elon Musk envisions a fleet of Mars rockets operating like commercial airliners, with projections of up to 500 Starships landing by 2033 to support a Martian colony.

    5. Successful implementation of the new Raptor 3 engine is crucial for the Starship 3 rocket, but no specific timeline for human landings on Mars has been provided.


    SpaceX is gearing up to build a Mars-ready Starship 3 rocket in 2025, with plans to dispatch five of these rockets to the Red Planet in late 2026, aiming for a landing in 2027.

    Timelines and Launch Windows

    This aligns with the earlier schedule of 2026-2028 for Mars missions, which Elon Musk shared last year. The “transfer window,” which provides the best conditions for launching rockets to Mars, opens every two years.

    The 2026 mission will not carry humans but will include Optimus robots. SpaceX has stated that these robots will “showcase important technologies for Mars travel and landing.”

    Future Missions and Payloads

    In 2028, when conditions allow for another Mars mission, SpaceX intends to launch as many as 20 Starship rockets, each with a significantly larger payload. These rockets will establish the foundational infrastructure and equipment needed for the first crewed flight to Mars.

    After that, missions will occur every two years, with projections of up to 500 Starships landing by 2033. This is aimed at increasing “independence from Earth” by extracting and using Martian resources to support a colony.

    According to Elon Musk’s keynote, “The Road to Making Life Multiplanetary,” there is a vision for a fleet of Mars rockets that would operate like commercial airliners, comparable to Boeing and Airbus.

    Challenges Ahead

    However, this remains largely aspirational, as SpaceX must first successfully implement the new Raptor 3 engine, which is designed to save over a ton in vehicle mass. Musk indicated that the Starship 3 rocket will be equipped with 42 engines, emphasizing that this design is unavoidable.

    Interestingly, the presentation lacked a specific timeline for when humans might actually land on Mars, which had been mentioned in previous announcements.

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  • Affordable Starlink Residential Lite Plan Expands to More States

    Affordable Starlink Residential Lite Plan Expands to More States

    Key Takeaways

    1. Starlink’s Residential Lite plan costs $80 per month for unlimited satellite Internet data, significantly lower than the $120 monthly fee in other regions.
    2. Users can expect speeds between 50 Mbps and 100 Mbps, despite experiencing deprioritized data.
    3. Subscribers can use the more affordable Starlink Standard Kit, priced lower than the Starlink Mini dish.
    4. The plan’s availability has expanded to over 30 states, including Texas, California, and Alaska, up from 15 states.
    5. Some areas, like Florida and most of the South Atlantic and East South Central regions, are still not included in the expansion.


    The recently introduced, more affordable Residential Lite plan from Starlink, which is part of SpaceX’s satellite Internet service, has proven to be quite popular, though it was initially limited to a select number of states.

    Pricing and Data Speeds

    In areas where it’s available, the Starlink Residential Lite plan is priced at $80 per month for unlimited satellite Internet data. This is significantly less than the $120 monthly fee charged in other regions. While users may experience deprioritized data, SpaceX ensures that subscribers can still enjoy speeds between 50 Mbps and 100 Mbps, which seems to meet the needs of many customers for that cost.

    Equipment Options

    Additionally, subscribers to the Residential Lite plan can make use of the Starlink Standard Kit, which has been more affordable than the Starlink Mini dish, currently priced at $299 on Amazon.

    Expansion of Availability

    However, the main drawback of the Residential Lite plan has been its restricted availability, limited to areas where Starlink had extra capacity, such as parts of the Midwest, Maine, and New Mexico. SpaceX has promised to broaden its coverage, and this month it has made significant progress.

    Starlink’s more affordable Residential Lite plan is now accessible in over 30 states across the US, an increase from the previous 15. This includes regions in Texas and California, as well as Alaska. The coverage has also extended to the entire state of New York, and the reduced prices for the Residential Lite plan are starting to attract customers in Pennsylvania.

    Nevertheless, Florida and most states in the South Atlantic and East South Central regions are still not yet included in this expansion.

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  • Free Starlink Dish Offer: Get Standard Kit & Year of Internet

    Free Starlink Dish Offer: Get Standard Kit & Year of Internet

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX is offering the Starlink Standard Kit dish and router for free with a 12-month subscription to their satellite Internet service.
    2. The promotion is limited to select regions in the US and certain international countries, including Italy, Germany, and Spain.
    3. The standard Starlink kit typically costs $349, but subscribers can save $149 by committing to a year of service.
    4. Subscribers must adhere to a one-year contract, with fees for missed payments or early cancellations.
    5. A 30-day trial period is available for users to test the service, but certain major cities may be excluded due to congestion issues.


    SpaceX has rolled out a fresh promotion that provides the Starlink Standard Kit dish and router at no cost when a subscriber commits to a year of satellite Internet service.

    Promo Details

    The complimentary Starlink dish is included with a 12-month Residential plan subscription, which is available at the rates of $80/month for the Lite plan or $120/month for the premium full-speed option. However, this offer is limited to select regions within the US and some international locations.

    Countries like Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Austria, Norway, Netherlands, Croatia, Czech Republic, and Switzerland are all eligible for the free Starlink kit. It’s noteworthy that in Croatia, the offer applies only to the more expensive Mini Kit, which seems a bit odd.

    Pricing and Availability

    In the United States, the eligible areas overlap with an existing SpaceX promotion that offers a $200 discount on equipment through the Starlink Regional Savings program. The Starlink Standard Kit typically retails for $349 at Best Buy, but in 28 states, it’s available for a reduced price. Essentially, subscribers are getting a $149 savings by committing to a year of service.

    In regions where Starlink Internet has become more widely adopted—like Sacramento, San Diego, Phoenix, or Central Florida—SpaceX has made a change. The company recently raised the initial congestion fee for obtaining a Starlink dish in these areas to $250, which makes the Standard Kit pricier than the Mini dish.

    Contract Obligations

    SpaceX warns that anyone who takes advantage of the free Starlink Standard Kit must adhere to their contract for a full year at the specified address. If they fail to do so, they will incur a change fee. Additionally, any missed payments or attempts to cancel the service or transfer the Starlink dish to a new user within that year will also incur fees.

    As is customary, prospective subscribers have a trial period of 30 days to determine if the Starlink satellite Internet service meets their needs at their selected location. The map illustrating the areas included in the free Starlink dish offer reveals that only a few major cities in states like California or Texas are excluded due to congestion issues with satellite Internet traffic.

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  • Starlink Residential Kit Prices Rise with New Congestion Charge

    Starlink Residential Kit Prices Rise with New Congestion Charge

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX’s Starlink is eliminating waitlists in some cities while introducing a higher congestion fee for immediate access.
    2. The congestion fee has increased from $100 to $250, raising the initial cost of the Starlink Residential Kit to around $600.
    3. Pricing for Starlink services varies significantly by region, with costs as low as $149 in Kansas due to discounts and no congestion fees.
    4. Starlink is struggling to meet the rising demand for its satellite Internet services, leading to data throttling for heavy users.
    5. Many users prefer to remain on the waitlist rather than pay the new congestion fee, indicating dissatisfaction with the increased costs.


    Elon Musk’s SpaceX, through its Starlink division, has been handling satellite Internet services in the United States by implementing waitlists and additional fees in high-demand regions. In areas where Starlink has fewer subscribers, they have also offered discounts on equipment and waived certain fees.

    New Charges and Waitlist Changes

    Recently, the company has begun to eliminate waitlists in several cities, instead introducing a significantly higher congestion fee. Customers who were anticipating an invitation for the Starlink Residential plan in places like Sacramento, Phoenix, San Diego, and Central Florida received unexpected news when they finally got their invitations.

    SpaceX has raised the congestion fee for those wishing to bypass the waitlist and access satellite Internet immediately, increasing it from $100 to $250. This change effectively brings the initial cost of the Starlink Residential Kit back to around $600, a price point reminiscent of earlier days. The set, including the dish and router, is priced at $349, with the new congestion fee of $250 plus applicable state taxes.

    Pricing Disparities Across States

    As a result, the total cost to become a Starlink satellite Internet user in Sacramento, CA, is nearly $630. Meanwhile, a customer in Kansas can obtain the full kit for just $149 due to Starlink’s Regional Savings program, which offers a $200 discount and no extravagant congestion fees.

    SpaceX has been struggling with the rising demand for Starlink’s satellite Internet in the US, as the service capacity frequently lags behind the demand. They have even started throttling data for heavy users, including those on the Priority tier.

    Customer Reactions

    The increase in congestion fees appears to be a strategy to better manage subscriptions in areas with high demand. Many users facing the one-time charge of $250 have expressed a preference to return to the waitlist instead of paying more than what a Starlink Mini Kit costs for a Residential dish.

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  • Starlink Launches Gen 4 Router for Mini Dish Kit with Faster Speeds

    Starlink Launches Gen 4 Router for Mini Dish Kit with Faster Speeds

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX is upgrading its satellite Internet devices from the Starlink Mini Kit to the Flat High-Performance dish for corporate clients.
    2. Production costs for the Starlink mini dish will be reduced while performance will be enhanced, also affecting the Standard Kit.
    3. New devices are being developed to support gigabit-level satellite Internet speeds with the new V3 satellite constellation.
    4. The upcoming Starlink Gen 4 router will feature improved specifications and a lower power requirement compared to the Gen 3 router.
    5. Pricing and launch details for the Starlink Gen 4 router and updated kits are expected to be announced soon, as production is already underway.


    SpaceX is set to enhance all of its satellite Internet devices later this year, upgrading from the Starlink Mini Kit to the Flat High-Performance dish aimed at corporate clients.

    Cost and Performance Improvements

    Sources have revealed plans to reduce production costs for the Starlink mini dish while also improving its performance. The same enhancements are expected for the Standard Kit as well.

    New Technology Developments

    This initiative may be linked to ongoing speculation that SpaceX is gearing up to launch gigabit-level satellite Internet download speeds, necessitating the development of devices that can support the new V3 satellite constellation’s capabilities. To maximize the benefits from these new satellites, which can deliver increased capacity per beam and offer download speeds of up to 2 Gbps with lower latency, SpaceX will also roll out new Starlink Gen 4 routers.

    Advanced Router Features

    One of the new routers is identified by the internal model number UTR-251 in an FCC filing, suggesting it represents a significant upgrade from the existing Starlink Gen 3 router, known as UTR-231. While the specifications for the Starlink Gen 4 router still claim Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) speeds, it supports a broader frequency range, indicating potential for quicker downloads and a more reliable connection through enhanced spectrum coverage.

    The design schematics for the Starlink Gen 4 router suggest it will have a compact form factor and might be included in the refresh of the Starlink Mini Kit, as its specifications indicate a much lower power requirement compared to the current Gen 3 router.

    Pricing and Availability

    Regarding the pricing and expected launch date for the Starlink Gen 4 router, SpaceX may provide further information soon, especially since the new Flat High-Performance dish is allegedly already in production. This means that updates for the Starlink Mini and Standard kits should not be too far off.

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  • Starlink Standard Dish Offer Extended: $149 in Select States

    Starlink Standard Dish Offer Extended: $149 in Select States

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX is extending its Regional Savings program for the Starlink Standard dish until April 30, offering a $200 discount.
    2. Eligible customers can purchase the Starlink Standard dish for $149 by visiting Starlink.com/residential.
    3. The promotion is available in 27 US states, but some specific locations may not qualify due to capacity restrictions.
    4. If customers change service locations, plans, or cancel within the first 30 days without returning hardware, a $300 fee will apply.
    5. The price gap between the Standard Kit and the portable Starlink Mini has increased significantly, with the Standard Kit now priced at $149 compared to the Mini at $499.


    In an effort to attract more users to its Starlink satellite internet service, SpaceX has decided to prolong its Regional Savings program for the Starlink Standard dish in the United States until April 30. This program allows customers in specific US states to receive a flat $200 discount on the Standard Kit. It was announced last month and was originally scheduled to conclude on March 31.

    Discount Details

    Starlink.com has refreshed its landing page for the Residential plan, showing that users in selected areas can get the Starlink Standard dish for only $149 until April 30. To take advantage of this offer, simply visit Starlink.com/residential, input your eligible address, and the $200 discount will be automatically deducted at checkout. If you would rather purchase through retailers such as Best Buy or Walmart, you can still benefit from the promotion. However, instead of an immediate price drop, the $200 discount will be credited to your Starlink account as service credits after you activate the dish with either the Residential or Residential Lite plan.

    Availability and Limitations

    Currently, the Regional Savings promo is accessible in 27 US states, and you can find the complete list of eligible regions below. It’s important to remember that even within these states, some specific locations might not qualify due to network capacity restrictions.

    Additionally, if you take advantage of the offer and then relocate your service address outside the eligible area, change your plan, or cancel within the first 30 days without returning the hardware, Starlink warns that you will incur a $300 fee.

    Price Comparison

    The choice to extend this promotion clearly indicates that SpaceX is focusing on the Standard Kit, even as the price gap between the Standard Kit and the portable Starlink Mini keeps increasing. As we discussed in our earlier articles, while the Mini was intended to be a more affordable option compared to the Standard Kit, it remains quite expensive in the US, and the difference between the Standard Kit and Mini has now reached a record high ($149 vs $499).

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  • New Starlink Mini Dish and Gigabit Satellite Internet Kit Coming

    New Starlink Mini Dish and Gigabit Satellite Internet Kit Coming

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX is developing a new version of the Starlink Mini Kit with a more compact and portable dish.
    2. Enhancements are planned for both the Mini Kit and the Flat High-Performance dish, including improved GPS functionality and better performance in poor weather.
    3. The new Starlink Mini dish may be priced lower than the current $349.99 Standard Kit, with ongoing discounts available.
    4. Upcoming improvements will increase download speeds to gigabit levels, potentially reaching up to 2 Gbps with the new V3 satellite constellation.
    5. The new dish requires FCC regulatory approval, which may lead to faster Internet speeds for current users through dish aggregation.


    SpaceX is currently developing a new version of its Starlink Mini Kit, which features a more compact and portable dish, making it easier to take anywhere.

    Updates on Specifications

    During a presentation at a Starlink vendor event, it was revealed that SpaceX plans to enhance both the Mini Kit and the Flat High-Performance dish. This dish enables satellite Internet access for moving vehicles even in poor weather, offering an improved field of view and enhanced GPS functionality.

    Pricing Insights

    The specifics of the new Starlink Mini dish are still not fully disclosed, but one of the key goals for this second generation is likely to reduce the price. Right now, it’s available for $100 off at Best Buy, although it is still significantly pricier than the Standard Kit dish, which retails for $349.99.

    Speed Improvements Ahead

    Even though the upcoming Starlink Mini dish might come at a lower cost, SpaceX is also planning to enhance the download speeds of its satellite Internet kits. At the vendor event, Starlink representatives stated that a new dish would deliver much faster gigabit-level Internet.

    Future Developments

    It remains uncertain whether they were referring to the upcoming refresh of the Flat High-Performance dish or a new product aimed at enterprise customers. Last fall, SpaceX announced plans to launch a constellation of V3 satellites, which will offer increased capacity per beam and achieve download speeds of up to 2 Gbps with reduced latency.

    Regulatory Hurdles

    The new gigabit Starlink dish must still go through the FCC for regulatory approval, where SpaceX is advocating for higher power limits and permissions to operate at lower altitudes.

    If these regulatory changes occur, it could enable faster Internet speeds for current Starlink users through dish aggregation while they await the new dishes that will support wider bandwidth, taking full advantage of the forthcoming V3 satellite constellation for gigabit speeds.

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  • Starlink Launches Affordable Satellite Internet Plan for Casual Users

    Starlink Launches Affordable Satellite Internet Plan for Casual Users

    Key Takeaways

    1. Affordable Pricing: The new Starlink Roam Internet plan costs just $10/month for 10 GB of data, making it an economical option for users needing extra internet access.

    2. Flexible Usage: This plan can be used indefinitely as a backup for home internet or for travel, camping, and other on-the-go situations.

    3. Additional Data Costs: Users can purchase extra data at a rate of $2/GB if they exceed the initial 10 GB limit.

    4. Higher Tier Options: The next tier for Starlink offers 50 GB for $50/month, while the most expensive plan provides unlimited data for $165/month.

    5. Equipment Costs Remain: The prices for Starlink dishes remain the same, with the Standard Kit at $349 and a current discount on the Mini Kit, but existing users can benefit from the new low-cost plan.


    SpaceX has rolled out its most affordable Starlink satellite Internet plan, which is designed for users who need an extra data source while on the go, or when their home Internet goes down for any reason.

    Flexible Usage

    This appealing Starlink Roam Internet plan can be maintained as a backup option indefinitely, making it perfect for traveling, camping, or simply as a secondary Internet source.

    The most economical Starlink data plan is priced at just $10/month and is available as a selection in the app. It provides 10 GB of data at full speed, with SpaceX charging $2/GB for any additional data usage.

    Pricing Options

    While the next tier for the Starlink roaming Internet plan offers 50GB of fast data, it comes at a cost of $50/month, which many may think is too pricey for occasional use.

    The priciest Starlink Internet plan is $165/month for unlimited roaming data, so this new $10/month option could really be valuable for those who use it only from time to time.

    Some users are even mentioning that, with this price point, they might never cancel their subscription and plan to keep a Starlink dish in their car trunk, just in case they need it.

    Equipment Costs

    Sadly, the prices for the Starlink Standard Kit and Starlink Mini dish remain unchanged at $349 for the Standard kit from Best Buy, although there is a $120 discount on the Starlink Mini Kit now.

    Nonetheless, those who have previously purchased a Starlink dish for home use or travel will definitely find value in the new low-cost satellite Internet plan of only $10/month that SpaceX has introduced.

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  • Airtel Collaborates with SpaceX for Starlink Internet in India

    Airtel Collaborates with SpaceX for Starlink Internet in India

    Key Takeaways

    1. Airtel and SpaceX are partnering to bring Starlink’s satellite internet services to India, aiming to close the digital gap, especially in rural areas.
    2. The partnership relies on regulatory approval for Starlink to operate commercially in India.
    3. Airtel plans to distribute Starlink hardware through its retail stores and provide satellite internet to business clients.
    4. This collaboration enhances Airtel’s position in the satellite broadband market, combining various connectivity options.
    5. SpaceX’s entry into India is a significant move, leveraging Airtel’s local expertise to address connectivity challenges in the country.


    India’s internet scene is about to see a big change as Airtel and SpaceX team up to bring Starlink’s satellite internet services to one of the most populated countries in the world. This important agreement, revealed today, marks a significant move towards closing the digital gap in India, especially in rural and less served areas.

    A New Era of Connectivity

    However, this deal depends on SpaceX getting the green light from regulators to operate Starlink commercially in India. After approval, this partnership will combine Airtel’s wide market presence with Starlink’s advanced low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to deliver smooth broadband access throughout the country. This could transform connectivity for India’s remote villages, businesses, and vital services like schools and healthcare facilities.

    Impacts on Businesses and Communities

    This collaboration anticipates Airtel distributing Starlink hardware via its retail stores and providing enterprise-level satellite internet to business clients. The potential outcomes are extensive; picture businesses in remote Himalayan villages or deep in the Thar Desert finally being able to access reliable, high-speed internet without depending on unreliable ground networks.

    Airtel’s Expanding Reach

    This isn’t Airtel’s first step into satellite internet; the telecom leader already has a partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, another LEO satellite provider. However, incorporating Starlink into its offerings boosts Airtel’s goal to lead in the satellite broadband market, delivering customers unmatched coverage and backup options. By blending fiber, terrestrial mobile networks, and various satellite internet providers, Airtel is setting itself up as the most adaptable connectivity provider in India.

    SpaceX’s Ambitious Step

    For SpaceX, entering the Indian market is a long-awaited breakthrough. The country’s unique geographic and infrastructure challenges make it an ideal testing ground for Starlink’s satellite-based broadband. With Airtel’s deep insight into local telecom laws, consumer habits, and distribution methods, SpaceX gains a vital foothold in a nation where connectivity issues still exist.

    If this partnership clears regulatory challenges, Starlink might revolutionize India’s telecom industry, providing high-speed internet to places where traditional broadband has struggled.