SpaceX unveils next-gen Starlink satellites with Starship launch in 2024
- SpaceX's next generation of Starlink satellites will be launched exclusively by the Starship due to their increased size.
- The new satellites are expected to provide a tenfold increase in bandwidth and faster latency by operating at a lower altitude.
- This development aims to improve global internet connectivity and address the digital divide for billions of people.
On October 14, 2024, Elon Musk announced that SpaceX's next generation of Starlink satellites will be significantly larger, necessitating the use of the Starship launch vehicle for deployment. This shift marks a departure from the current Falcon rocket launches, as the new satellites are designed to enhance performance by providing a tenfold increase in bandwidth and reduced latency due to their lower operational altitude. SpaceX has also sought modifications from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to adjust the satellites' operational parameters, aiming to improve broadband connectivity and address the digital divide affecting billions globally. The Starship, which is still in the testing phase, is the largest launch vehicle ever constructed, capable of carrying substantial payloads into space. This development is part of SpaceX's broader strategy to deliver high-speed internet access worldwide, with the potential to revolutionize connectivity in underserved regions.