Elon Musk has a dream of providing the world with high-speed internet using satellites in low orbit – and it could soon become a reality. The SpaceX CEO announced on Twitter that the firm’s Starlink service will be available to certain locations in six months, with private beta in just three. Last night, he revealed that the Starlink internet services will start by the early next month.
Musk had noted in the past that the project needed at least 400 satellites to launch and Wednesday, he sent 60 more devices into space – bringing the total to 422.
The project aims to have the devices form a constellation around the planet from a distance of 200 miles to 700 miles above the surface and transmit data to stations and customers on the ground.
SpaceX still has other hurdles to overcome in order to make its timeline, including continuing to prepare and launch more Starlink missions despite the challenging working conditions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hopefully start serving Africa early next year
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 27, 2020
Starlink ultimately aims to provide low-cost, high-speed broadband connectivity to customers globally, with the specific goal of offering service to customers who don’t currently have reliable or quality access due to their remote location.
However, Musk announced Friday that he is working to fix the brightness of the ultra-bright constellation of satellites.
The brightness of the constellation is due to the angle of the solar panels as the satellites rise to orbit altitude, Musk explained.
The satellites are orbiting at a relatively close 340 miles away from Earth, which helps to make them even more visible with the naked eye.
