2. Contents
Introduction to Starlink
About SpaceX
Comparisson between normal internet and Starlink
Lauch of Starlink
Starlink satellites
Working of Starlink
Different service plans
Implementation of Starlinks
Starlink kits
Features of Starlink
Present and future of Starlink
Conclusion
Reference
3. Introduction
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, designed to provide high-
speed, low-latency internet access globally
Initiated by SpaceX, Starlink has achieved key milestones since its inception,
revolutionizing global internet connectivity.
Addressing the need for improved internet access in remote areas, Starlink overcomes
tranditional infrastructure challenges on a global scale.
Starlink’s approach involves deploying a multitude of small satellites in low Earth orbit
(LEO) to enhance coverage and performace
Starlink employs cutting-edge technology, including advanced satellite design and
autonomous space debris avoidance systemns, revolutionizing satellite-based internet
connectivity.
4. Introduction
With the potential to transform education, healthcare, business, and communication,
Starlink aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to the to users worldwide.
Starlink’s global reach aims to bridge the digital divide, and future plans include expansion,
improvements, and the vision of making high-speed internet universally accessible.
5. About SpaceX
Founded by Elon Musk in 2002
Vison – Reduce space transportation costs and enable mars colonization
Renowed for pioneering reusable rocket technology, dramatically lowering space travel
costs
SpaceX initiated its Starlink project with the launch of the first batch of Starlink satellites.
The first launch specifically for Starlink took place on May 23, 2019
6. Starlink and the traditional internet services
Starlink Traditional internet
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation developed by
SpaceX. It utilizes a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites
to provide global broadband coverage.
Delivered through terrestrial infrastructure like fiber-optic
cables, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable, or wireless
technologies.
Designed to provide high-speed internet access in remote and
underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is
challenging to deploy.
Availability is largely dependent on the existing infrastructure in
a given area. Rural or remote locations may have limited
access or slower speeds.
Starlink aims to offer low-latency, high-speed internet, which
can be particularly beneficial in areas where traditional options
provide slower speeds or higher latency.
Speed and latency can vary based on the type of technology
used, the quality of infrastructure, and the distance from the
service provider's central facilities.
Involves setting up a satellite dish and connecting it to a
modem/router. The aim is to make it user-friendly and suitable
for self-installation.
Typically involves laying cables, installing modems, and
configuring devices. The installation process can vary based
on the type of internet service.
While primarily designed for fixed installations, Starlink can be
more mobile compared to traditional options, making it suitable
for some on-the-go scenarios.
Fixed-line services are generally not mobile. Mobile internet
relies on cellular networks.
Aims to provide global coverage, especially in areas with
limited existing infrastructure. The constellation can be
expanded to improve coverage.
Availability depends on the existing infrastructure and the
willingness of service providers to expand into new areas.
Initial costs for hardware and subscription fees may be higher
than some traditional services, but prices may change as the
service matures and competition increases.
Cost can vary based on the type of service, the region, and the
available providers.
7. Launch of Starlink
Date of Launch: The first launch of Starlink satellites place on May 24, 2019
Rocket Used: The launch utilized a Falcon 9 rocket, a reliable workhorse developed by
SpaceX, the company behind the Starlink project.
Satellites : The number of satellites launched in the first launch was 60
Deployment Orbit: The satellites were placed into a low Earth orbit (LEO), a critical
aspect of the Starlink project to provide global internet coverage
Path to Global Internet Coverage: The successful deployment of the first Starlink
satellites marked the beginning of an ambitious plan to create a large-scale satellite
constellation, aiming to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access globally, especially
in remote and underserved areas
Now, over 800 Starlink satellitets are operating at 550km above the Earth's surface in low
Earth orbit
9. Starlink Satellite
Each Starlink satellite is compactly designed and weighs about 260kg
operating at 550km above the Earth's surface in low Earth orbit
It is equipped with four-phased array antennas, single solar array, ion propulsion system,
navigation sensors, and debris tracking system
Four-phased array antennas in Starlink satellites enable precise and dynamic
beamforming, facilitating efficient communication with ground stations and enhancing the
coverage, speed, and reliability of the satellite internet service.
Single solar array strategically positioned to capture sunlight, generating electrical power
that is stored in onboard batteries; this sustainable energy source is crucial for supporting
the satellite's operations, including communication, propulsion, and other systems,
especially during periods of orbiting Earth in shadow.
11. Starlink Satellite
The ion propulsion system in Starlink satellites employs ionized xenon gas to generate
thrust, allowing for precise orbit adjustments, extended satellite lifespan, and efficient
station-keeping maneuvers in the vacuum of space.
Navigation sensors in Starlink satellites, such as gyros and accelerometers, provide
accurate positional information, enabling precise orbital adjustments and ensuring optimal
satellite positioning for effective communication coverage.
The debris tracking system in Starlink satellites utilizes sensors and algorithms to monitor
space debris and mitigate collision risks, safeguarding the satellite constellation and
maintaining sustainable use of Earth's orbital environment.
13. How Starlink works?
Starlink works by deploying a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites that communicate
with ground stations, providing high-speed internet access globally.
User terminals on the ground connect to these satellites, creating a network for internet
connectivity.
Phased-array antennas are used to electronically steer beams to track and maintain a
connection with satellites.
User terminals does not need any headquartersm but they are managed and controlled by
ground stations and data centers that coordinate the network, routing data to and from the
satellites.
Datas are sent and packets from satellites to user terminals which is controlled by the
ground stations
14. How Starlink works?
Advanced Starlink satellites can communicate with eachother to pass informations and
datas
Satellites move around in it’s way in a fast pace and the satellites will have it’s own
territory, a territory will be overlaped by one other satellite so that the switching is smooth.
There are a three types of service plans of Starlink as of now
They are Residential, Roaming and Boat
15.
16. Service plan - Residential
Starlink's Residential Service Plan provides high-speed,
low-latency satellite internet to homes and businesses in
remote and rural areas where traditional cable or fiber
internet is unavailable or unreliable.
The service is designed to offer a reliable and affordable
internet connection for everyday activities such as
streaming videos, gaming, video conferencing, and
working from home.
17. Service plan - Roam
Roam, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX,
offers a Global Roaming Service that allows users to
access high-speed internet from almost anywhere in the
world.
This service is designed for individuals and organizations
that require reliable internet connectivity while traveling or
operating in remote locations.
When a user with a Starlink dish terminal travels to a new
location, the terminal automatically connects to the
nearest available satellite
18. Service plan - Boats
Starlink Maritime is a satellite internet plan by Starlink for
boats, ships, and other water transport that offers fast
internet speeds in coastal areas of the USA and Europe.
The plan is intended for large vessels and comes with an
expensive upfront fee and a heavy monthly recurring fee.
19. Implementation
Starlink is implemented at the user end by ordering and seting up the Starlink kit at the
user end.
Visit the official Starlink website at Starlink.com and enter your service address to check if
your location is covered by Starlink’s service area and order if the location is coverned
using personal info and billing info
After orderning a confirmation email will be delivered and follow the link in the email to
create an account and login
Follow the instructions to setup the Starlink kit
There are a few specifications of the Starlink kit
20. Starlink kits
Starlink kits are used to set up the connection between the user and the satellites.
There are a few specification of the kits, they are :
Standard, Standard actuated, High performance, Flat High performance
Standard and Standard actuated are used for everyday use, video call, gaming streaming
etc
High performance kits are used for power user, business, and enterprise applications. It
allows better speeds at high temperatures, can connect to more satellites, and is more
resilient to extreme environments.
The kits will include Starlink, Power supply, Router, Mounts and Cables
21.
22. Features of Starlink
Satellite Constellation: Starlink operates a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites,
working in unison to provide global internet coverage.
User Terminal: Subscribers use a user terminal (also known as a satellite dish) installed at
their location to communicate with the Starlink satellites.
Phased Array Antennas: The user terminal is equipped with phased-array antennas that
dynamically adjust and point to the satellites overhead, maintaining a reliable connection.
Data Transmission: The user terminal communicates with the nearest Starlink satellites,
forming a network in space. Data is transmitted from the user terminal to the satellites and
then back down to ground stations.
23. Features of Starlink
Low Latency: Due to the low Earth orbit of the satellites, the signal travel time is
significantly reduced, resulting in lower latency compared to traditional satellite internet
services that use higher orbits.
Global Coverage: The constellation's design ensures that even remote and underserved
areas can access high-speed internet, bypassing the limitations of traditional terrestrial
infrastructure.
Continuous Improvement: SpaceX continues to launch more satellites, expanding the
constellation and improving service quality. Regular software updates and refinements
contribute to ongoing enhancements in speed and performance.
24. What’s happening now and what in
future
Starlink is still in its early stages of development, but SpaceX has already launched several hundred satellites into orbit. The
company plans to have the constellation fully operational by 2024, with a total of 12,000 satellites in orbit.
Starlink has also raised concerns about space debris and light pollution. The large number of satellites in the constellation could
potentially create a hazard for other satellites and spacecraft, and the bright reflections from the satellites could interfere with
astronomical observations.
SpaceX is working to address these concerns by designing the Starlink satellites to be as small and lightweight as possible, and
by using a special coating to reduce their reflectivity. The company is also working with astronomers to develop ways to minimize
the impact of Starlink on astronomical observations.
The next gen Starlink will feature wifi 6 technology and will be giving a global internet coverage, even in the remote areas where
there is no internet connection availability.
The US-based Starlink is expected to receive a nod for offering space broadband services in India
27. Conclusion
In conclusion, Starlink is not just a current solution to global satellite internet connectivity; it
is a dynamic and evolving platform with promising future enhancements. As Starlink
expands its constellation, we anticipate an even more extensive network coverage, lower
latency, and improved overall performance. Continued research and development efforts
are likely to lead to advanced iterations of user terminals and satellite technology,
potentially resulting in more compact, efficient hardware and faster data transfer rates.
Starlink's mission to bridge the digital divide suggests a future focus on extending services
to even more remote and underserved regions globally, contributing to increased
accessibility and connectivity. Moreover, competitive pricing models, as well as integration
with emerging technologies like 5G networks and artificial intelligence, may further
enhance Starlink's capabilities and efficiency. In essence, Starlink not only represents a
present-day solution but also a forward-looking force in shaping the future landscape of
global internet connectivity.
