SpaceX unveils “V2 Mini” Starlink satellites with quadruple the capacity

With Starlink speeds slowing because of a rising capability crunch, SpaceX mentioned a launch occurring as quickly as right this moment will deploy the primary “V2 Mini” satellites that present 4 occasions extra per-satellite capability than earlier variations.

Starlink’s second-generation satellites embrace the V2 Minis and the bigger V2. The bigger V2s are designed for the SpaceX Starship, which isn’t quite ready to launch but, however the V2 Minis are slimmed-down variations that may be deployed from the Falcon 9 rocket.

“The V2 Minis are smaller than the V2 satellites (therefore the identify) however do not let the identify idiot you,” SpaceX mentioned in a press release supplied to Ars yesterday. “The V2 Minis embrace extra superior phased array antennas and the usage of E-band for backhaul, which is able to allow Starlink to supply ~4x extra capability per satellite tv for pc than earlier iterations.”

SpaceX did not specify the quantity of information that every V2 Mini satellite tv for pc can present, however its first-generation satellites have been designed for an combination downlink capability of 17 to 23Gbps per satellite tv for pc. We requested SpaceX for particulars on the V2 Mini’s per-satellite capability and whether or not present consumer terminals put in at prospects’ houses can take full benefit of the velocity boosts, and can replace this text if we get a response.

The Federal Communications Fee lately gave SpaceX approval to launch 7,500 of the 30,000 deliberate second-generation satellites. A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch tentatively scheduled for right this moment would put 21 V2 Minis into orbit.

“Area climate is a watch merchandise, with the two-minute launch window opening round 6:13 p.m. ET (23:13 UTC)… If wanted, a backup alternative is accessible on Tuesday, February 28 at 1:49 p.m. ET (18:49 UTC),” SpaceX mentioned.

The bigger V2 satellites that may’t launch till Starship is prepared will be capable of ship alerts on to cell telephones, a functionality that’ll be utilized by SpaceX and T-Cellular in a partnership announced in August 2022.

Starlink speeds drop amid worth hike and information cap

Many launches will doubtless be required for the second-generation satellites to have a noticeable influence on broadband efficiency. Starlink has nearly 3,700 first-generation satellites in orbit, however speeds have slowed as extra customers join. In giant parts of the US, individuals who need Starlink have to join a waiting list.

SpaceX has already imposed pricing modifications that could be meant to handle capability limits. Starlink final week notified residential customers in “limited-capacity” areas that their monthly service price will increase from $110 to $120, whereas customers in “excess-capacity” areas will get a worth lower and pay solely $90 going ahead. Starlink additionally has a new data cap by which prospects who go over 1TB in any given month will get slower speeds except they pay additional for added high-speed information.

Regardless of the identify, the V2 Minis are greater and heavier than first-generation Starlink satellites that weighed about 295 kilograms every. “Every Starlink V2 Mini satellite tv for pc weighs about 1,760 kilos (800 kilograms) at launch, practically thrice heavier than the older Starlink satellites,” Spaceflight Now reported. “They’re additionally greater in measurement, with a spacecraft physique greater than 13 ft (4.1 meters) huge, filling extra of the Falcon 9 rocket’s payload fairing throughout launch.”

In comparison with the 21 second-gen satellites set for launch as quickly as right this moment, Starlink was capable of deploy about 60 satellites per launch with the smaller first-generation ones.