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The internet that we use
and the speed we experience is much because of the cables that has been laid
out throughout the world, even in deep ocean beds. The internet from satellite
had always been slow. But Starlink is
about to change all these.
So what is Starlink ? Starlink
or Elon Musk Starlink internet is a Starlink satellites constellation that will
reduce the latency experienced with satellite internet. So the question arises
as to why the internet speed of Starlink would be better than other satellite
internet providers? Starlink satellites will be at a lower orbit than other
satellites thus reducing the latency time. And also the number of Starlink
satellites forming the Starlink constellation will cover every part of the
planet.
Starlink launch or maiden
launch of SpaceX Starlink was on 22nd February, 2018 with the launch
of first Starlink satellite. Each Starlink satellite is super compact and weigh
approximately 260 kg. The Starlink satellite have ion propulsion system powered
by Krypton. The propulsion system help the Starlink satellites to maneuver in
space, raise its orbit and deorbit at the end of their useful life. Starlink
satellites also have autonomous collision avoidance system which automatically
manoeuvres the satellite to avoid collisions with space debris and other
spacecrafts, reducing human error. The Starlink satellites are low earth orbit
satellites. At this altitude and the huge number of satellites that is proposed
for Starlink constellation, the latency will be dramatically reduced and
Starlink internet speed will be up to gigabit per second. Another important
point to mention here is the commitment of Starlink to keep the space clean of
space debris. At the end of the life of Starlink satellite, the onboard
propulsion system will deorbit the satellite to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere
over the course of few months. In case the propulsion system fails the satellite
will burn up in Earth’s atmosphere in 1 to 5 years instead of hundreds or
thousands of years.
Starlink
review is overall positive. Firstly, it would be the dawn of a new era of how
high speed internet is provided to the masses. Secondly, it will dramatically
reduce the ground infrastructure cost and maintenance cost. Thirdly, the
difficultly in setting up ground infrastructure had always been a major
hindrance in providing internet to remote corners of the world. Starlink project
will provide internet to all corners of the world that too high speed internet.
Fourthly, the Starlink internet cost is expected to be very reasonable to the
customers. Fifthly, Starlink commitment to keep space clean of debris is truly
praiseworthy. Sixthly, the collision avoidance system is a dramatic feature
when we have a large quantity of Starlink satellites. However, there are
certain drawbacks in Starlink project as well. Firstly, weather disturbances
can affect the reception and speed of Starlink internet. Secondly, in case the
Starlink propulsion system fails, the Starlink satellite will remain as a space
debris or potential risk for other spacecrafts for 1 to 5 years.
Starlink project is truly innovative. It will change our internet experience for better.
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