What is it?
SpaceX's fleet of low-earth orbit satellites aimed at improving global internet coverage.
There's been a buzz about Starlink this past week with many of us craning our necks in back gardens to catch a glimpse of the train-like procession of lights passing overhead.
SpaceX – the brainchild of entrepreneur Elon Musk – has launched 422 satellites so far with a planned network of 12,000. This has been done in batches of 60, with the most recent launch last Wednesday.
Each satellite – around the size of a table – is equipped with large solar panels that, in addition to collecting and utilising sunlight to power the device, also reflects these rays. The current orbital position has made them easier to spot in the night skies above Scotland.
Stargazers have been using apps and websites to track the catchily named Starlink-3 and Starlink-5,6 – although viewing conditions may soon become less optimal. Musk has tweeted about "fixing" the solar panel angle which could make them less visible from Earth.
Good points?
It's fascinating technology. An ambitious plan to link a 12,000-strong collection of satellites would allow whole earth internet coverage to be achieved in low orbit. Four phased array antennas provide throughput of data making the system a network in space.
Traditional data transfer is provided by cables which can corrode and become difficult to maintain. SpaceX can replace a Starlink satellite more efficiently than the monumental task faced by most communications companies to lift and replace cables at the bottom of the sea.
Bad points?
The project has been criticised by some astronomers and branded an eyesore.
Best for ...
Those who live in remote places and covet high-speed internet connections.
Avoid if ...
You have no interest in faster internet or a lightshow.
Score: 8/10.
Starlink (starlink.com)
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