SpaceX successfully launched a set of 21 new Starlink satellites, known as V2 minis, on February 28th from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 6:13 p.m. EST, about five hours later than originally planned due to a “space weather concern.” The first stage of the rocket landed back on SpaceX’s droneship in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast, while the upper stage deployed the 21 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit as intended.
These V2 mini satellites are a test set designed to fit onboard the Falcon 9, and are larger and more capable than the previous generations of Starlink satellites that have been launched to date. They include new key technologies such as more powerful phased array antennas and the use of E-band for backhaul, which allows Starlink to provide approximately four times more capacity per satellite than earlier iterations.
Additionally, the V2 minis are equipped with argon Hall thrusters, which have never been used off Earth before. These new thrusters have 2.4 times the thrust and 1.5 times the specific impulse of the first generation thrusters, according to SpaceX.
SpaceX founder and CEO, Elon Musk, has stated that the full-size Starlink V2 spacecraft will be even more capable, weighing 1.25 tons and able to provide internet service directly to cellphones. SpaceX has already announced plans to partner with T-Mobile to offer this service in 2023.
This launch was originally scheduled to be part of a triple-header with the Crew-6 astronaut mission for NASA, which was scrubbed due to a ground-system issue, and another Starlink launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, which was delayed due to bad weather. SpaceX has launched over 4,000 Starlink satellites for internet service around the world, with regulatory permission to send up to 12,000 and plans to deploy nearly 30,000 in total.
More capable than previous generations and are equipped with argon Hall thrusters, which have never been used off Earth before. These new thrusters are more powerful and have greater specific impulse than the first generation thrusters. The V2 minis also include more powerful phased array antennas and the use of E-band for backhaul. These technologies allow Starlink to provide approximately four times more capacity per satellite than earlier iterations.
The launch of the V2 mini satellites is part of SpaceX’s broader goal to provide high-speed internet access to people around the world, especially those in remote areas. SpaceX has already launched over 4,000 Starlink satellites and has regulatory permission to send up to 12,000. The company plans to deploy nearly 30,000 Starlink satellites in total. The V2 minis are a significant step forward in this effort, with the full-size Starlink V2 spacecraft expected to be even more capable. SpaceX has also announced plans to partner with T-Mobile to offer direct internet service to cellphones in 2023 using these new satellites. As SpaceX continues to innovate and push the boundaries of space technology, it is revolutionizing the way we connect and communicate with each other.
After being a professional journalist for 5 years and understanding the ups and downs of health care sector all over the world, Kevin shifted his focus to the digital world. Today, he works as a contributor for Lone Tree Voice with a knack for covering Health & Science news in the best possible format.