Articles tagged with "Starlink"
Insurance Gas Car Rental: Like a Time-Warp after Owning a Tesla Model 3 with FSD - CleanTechnica
The article recounts the author’s experience transitioning from driving a Tesla Model 3 with Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities to renting a traditional gas-powered luxury SUV, the 2025 Genesis GV70, after their Tesla sustained significant damage from a deer collision. The author highlights Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles (EVs) and other transformative technologies, such as reusable rockets via SpaceX and global internet access through Starlink, despite expressing disappointment in Musk’s recent political endorsements. The Tesla Model 3’s low aerodynamic design, while efficient, made it vulnerable to damage in the deer accident, necessitating repairs covered by insurance. When arranging a rental car through their insurer’s partner, Enterprise, the author found no electric vehicles available for insurance rentals, only at the airport, which posed logistical challenges for charging and familiarity. Instead, they were provided with a gasoline-powered Genesis GV70, a luxury SUV from Hyundai’s premium brand. The GV70 impressed with its size,
energyelectric-vehiclesTesla-Model-3clean-energySpaceXStarlinkrenewable-technologyJeff Bezos' Amazon Leo satellites disrupt astronomy, like Starlink
A recent study has found that Amazon’s new internet satellite constellation, Amazon Leo (formerly Project Kuiper), is likely to disrupt astronomical research, similar to the well-documented interference caused by SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. Amazon currently operates about 180 Leo satellites in low Earth orbit, with plans to expand to over 3,200. The study analyzed around 2,000 observations and concluded that these satellites exceed the brightness limits recommended by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), with an average apparent magnitude of 6.28. Although this brightness is below the naked-eye visibility threshold, it still interferes with telescopic observations, contributing to growing concerns about space congestion and the impact on astronomy. While Amazon’s satellites are slightly dimmer than Starlink’s, their lower orbital altitudes—planned to decrease from 630 to 590 kilometers—will likely increase their brightness and visibility, exacerbating the problem. The issue extends beyond astronomy; NASA has warned that Starlink’s mega-
IoTsatellite-technologyAmazon-LeoStarlinkspace-congestionastronomy-disruptionmega-constellationsSpaceX gets FCC approval to launch 7,500 more Starlink satellites
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX's request to launch an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing the total authorized number to 15,000 worldwide. This approval not only allows SpaceX to expand its high-speed internet coverage but also permits Starlink satellites to operate across five different frequency bands. Additionally, the decision enables Starlink to provide direct-to-cell connectivity outside the United States, along with supplemental coverage within the U.S. While SpaceX initially sought approval for 15,000 more satellites, the FCC has deferred authorization for the remaining 14,988 proposed Gen2 Starlink satellites. The commission has set launch deadlines requiring SpaceX to deploy 50% of the approved satellites by December 1, 2028, and the remaining half by December 2031. This phased rollout underscores the FCC's regulatory oversight in managing satellite deployments and spectrum use.
IoTsatellite-technologyStarlinkSpaceXtelecommunicationswireless-connectivityFCC-approvalChina flags safety fears over Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network
China has expressed serious safety, security, and legal concerns over the rapid expansion of commercial satellite networks, particularly targeting Elon Musk’s Starlink constellation, during a recent informal United Nations Security Council meeting convened by Russia. Beijing highlighted that the proliferation of large satellite constellations, especially those operated predominantly by a single country, is outpacing existing international regulations and straining shared orbital and frequency resources. China warned that this situation significantly increases the risk of collisions and space debris, which endangers all space-faring nations, especially those with limited tracking and maneuvering capabilities. Specifically, China cited incidents involving Starlink satellites, including two close approaches to China’s space station in 2021 that forced evasive maneuvers by astronauts, and a recent satellite breakup in December 2023 that generated over one hundred debris fragments. Beyond physical safety, China raised concerns about the militarization of commercial satellites, noting their use in reconnaissance and battlefield communications, which blurs the line between civilian and military activities
IoTsatellite-technologyspace-safetyStarlinkspace-debriscommercial-satellitesspace-regulationStarlink to lower satellite orbits in 2026 amid space congestion
SpaceX’s Starlink plans to lower the orbit of thousands of its satellites from about 550 km (342 miles) to 480 km (298 miles) in 2026 to enhance safety amid growing congestion in low Earth orbit. This reconfiguration, announced by Michael Nicolls, Starlink’s VP of engineering, aims to reduce collision risks and long-term debris accumulation by condensing satellite orbits into a less crowded altitude band. Operating at lower altitudes also facilitates faster deorbiting of defunct satellites due to increased atmospheric drag, mitigating the risk of space debris persisting for decades. The move follows a recent incident where a Starlink satellite experienced an in-orbit anomaly, resulting in a small debris release and loss of communication, highlighting the risks of kinetic accidents in crowded orbits. With nearly 10,000 Starlink satellites currently in orbit and the number of satellites worldwide rising sharply due to commercial and governmental deployments, concerns about orbital congestion and collision hazards have intensified. Starlink’s decision
IoTsatellite-technologyStarlinkspace-safetylow-Earth-orbitsatellite-constellationsbroadband-internetSolar storm could cripple Starlink satellites, trigger orbital chaos
Researchers warn that the rapidly growing network of satellites, particularly mega-constellations like SpaceX’s Starlink, is increasingly vulnerable to extreme space weather events such as solar storms. These storms heat Earth’s atmosphere, increasing drag on satellites and forcing them to use more fuel for orbit maintenance and collision avoidance. A recent solar event in May 2024 caused over half of low Earth orbit satellites to expend fuel repositioning. This heightened activity, combined with the risk of solar storms damaging satellite communication and navigation systems, raises the likelihood of a catastrophic chain reaction known as Kessler Syndrome, where collisions generate debris that triggers further collisions, potentially rendering space unusable. The problem is exacerbated by the sheer number of collision avoidance maneuvers required; SpaceX’s Starlink satellites performed 50,000 such maneuvers over four years, and projections suggest this could reach about a million every six months by 2028. To quantify the risk, Princeton researchers introduced the Collision Realization and Significant Harm
satellitesspace-weathersolar-stormStarlinkorbital-debrisKessler-Syndromesatellite-collision-avoidanceSpaceX reportedly in talks for secondary sale at $800B valuation, which would make it America’s most valuable private company
According to the Wall Street Journal, SpaceX is reportedly preparing a secondary share sale that could value the company at approximately $800 billion, doubling its previous $400 billion valuation. This new valuation would make SpaceX the most valuable private company in the United States, surpassing OpenAI, which is currently valued at $500 billion. The scale of the offering has not been disclosed, and SpaceX has not commented on the report. This development highlights a broader trend in private markets where mega-valuations have become increasingly common. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic have achieved valuations in the hundreds of billions through private funding rounds and secondary sales, allowing them to access liquidity without going public or facing the pressures of quarterly earnings reports. Founded in 2002, SpaceX leads the commercial rocket launch industry and operates Starlink, its satellite internet service, which had over eight million customers worldwide as of November.
robotspace-technologysatellite-internetStarlinkaerospaceprivate-company-valuationcommercial-rocket-launchesChina simulates jamming Starlink over Taiwan, mission to require over 1,000 drones
Chinese military researchers have conducted a detailed simulation study examining the feasibility of jamming the Starlink satellite internet network over Taiwan. Published in the journal Systems Engineering and Electronics, the study highlights the significant challenge posed by Starlink’s dynamic satellite constellation, which continuously changes orbital planes and frequencies, making traditional jamming methods ineffective. Unlike older geostationary satellite systems, Starlink’s constantly shifting network resists interference by hopping frequencies and rerouting traffic in real time, complicating efforts to disrupt its signals. The researchers conclude that effectively jamming Starlink across Taiwan’s approximately 13,900 square mile area would require a massive, distributed electronic warfare effort involving hundreds to over a thousand synchronized airborne jamming platforms such as drones, balloons, or aircraft. Their simulation estimates at least 935 jammers would be needed using higher-power sources, with the number rising to around 2,000 if lower-power units are employed. These jammers would need to operate in a coordinated swarm to cover the entire region,
droneselectronic-warfaresatellite-jammingStarlinkdistributed-jammingmilitary-technologydrone-swarmSpaceX’s Starlink secures more spectrum and airlines as it passes 8 million customers
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service has surpassed 8 million global customers, marking significant growth from 6 million in June 2025. To support this expansion, SpaceX is acquiring an additional $2.6 billion worth of wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar, extending a previously announced $17 billion deal. This spectrum will be used to develop Starlink’s emerging “direct to cell” satellite constellation, enabling T-Mobile customers to access satellite-based 5G internet. EchoStar began selling off its spectrum licenses under pressure from the Federal Communications Commission and the Trump administration, with Trump reportedly urging EchoStar’s CEO to divest. In addition to spectrum acquisitions, Starlink is expanding its presence in the aviation industry through new commercial contracts. International Airlines Group (IAG), which includes British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus, plans to install Starlink inflight internet on over 500 aircraft starting in 2026, covering short-haul, long-haul, and global routes.
IoTsatellite-internetStarlinkwireless-spectrum5G-connectivityaviation-technologyinflight-internetElon Musk’s Starlink fleet is burning up in orbit, scientists say
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink satellite constellation is experiencing an unprecedented rate of satellite deorbiting, with up to four satellites burning up daily in Earth’s atmosphere as of 2025. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell notes that this number could rise to five per day as the network expands. While the fiery reentries have sparked public concern, scientists emphasize that Starlink satellites are designed to fully disintegrate upon reentry, posing no direct threat to people on the ground. Currently, about 8,500 Starlink satellites operate within a total of 12,000 active satellites in low-Earth orbit, most with a lifespan of roughly five years. The primary safety concern lies not with Starlink’s controlled reentries but with uncontrolled debris from defunct satellites and rocket stages, which can survive reentry and potentially land on Earth. As the number of satellites grows, so does the risk of collisions and space debris fallout. Additionally, researchers are investigating the environmental impact of the materials released
IoTsatellitesspace-debrisStarlinkSpaceXsatellite-technologyorbital-energy-managementElon Musk Is Out to Rule Space. Can Anyone Stop Him?
The article highlights Elon Musk’s dominant role in the modern space industry through his company SpaceX, which has achieved an unprecedented launch cadence—95 launches in a single year, more than the rest of the world combined. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets deploy Starlink satellites that provide global internet coverage, a capability that has become strategically crucial, as evidenced by its impact on communications during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Additionally, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft currently serves as America’s sole means of transporting astronauts to the International Space Station, underscoring Musk’s critical position in both commercial and governmental space operations. Looking ahead, Musk stands to further consolidate power as the U.S. government pursues the weaponization of space in response to perceived threats from Russia and China. The Pentagon is investing heavily in satellite-based defense systems, including orbiting interceptors and communication networks, areas where SpaceX’s launch and satellite expertise are indispensable. Although Musk’s companies may not manufacture the weapons themselves, their infrastructure and technology will
IoTsatellite-communicationSpaceXStarlinkspace-technologyaerospacedefense-technologyWhy SpaceX made a $17B bet on the direct-to-cell market
SpaceX has made a significant strategic move in the satellite-to-phone market by acquiring a large portion of wireless spectrum from EchoStar for $17 billion, split evenly between cash and SpaceX stock. This acquisition centers on securing valuable spectrum—a limited range of radio frequencies essential for wireless communication. The deal follows the FCC’s 2024 approval of the Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) framework, which allows satellites to extend terrestrial carrier networks using existing phone spectrum. Unlike previous arrangements where satellite operators had to partner with terrestrial carriers, SpaceX now holds the spectrum license directly, positioning itself to more aggressively expand its Starlink Direct-to-Cell service, which it began offering to T-Mobile users as a premium add-on. While SpaceX focuses on building rockets and satellites rather than cell phones, CEO Elon Musk has hinted at entering the phone market through his other venture, X, potentially challenging established players like Apple, which currently partners with Globalstar for satellite-enabled iPhone services. SpaceX’s spectrum acquisition may
IoTsatellite-communicationwireless-spectrumDirect-to-CellStarlinktelecommunicationsSpaceXSpaceX strikes $17B deal to buy EchoStar’s spectrum for Starlink’s direct-to-phone service
SpaceX has reached a $17 billion agreement to acquire EchoStar’s AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses, paying $8.5 billion in cash and $8.5 billion in SpaceX stock. This acquisition is a strategic move to advance SpaceX’s “Direct to Cell” satellite constellation, enabling broadband-speed internet access directly to mobile phones worldwide. The deal also includes $2 billion in cash interest payments on EchoStar’s debt. By owning this spectrum, SpaceX aims to reduce its reliance on traditional network providers and plans to implement optimized 5G protocols in its direct-to-phone Starlink service once its next generation of satellites is operational. The transaction also benefits EchoStar’s Boost Mobile customers, granting them access to Starlink’s direct-to-phone service. EchoStar pursued the sale amid an FCC investigation into its spectrum usage, with reports indicating that former President Trump personally encouraged EchoStar CEO Charlie Ergen to sell the licenses. EchoStar believes that this sale, combined with a recent spectrum
IoTsatellite-internet5GStarlinkspectrum-licensesmobile-connectivitySpaceX28 More Starlink Satellites Join Megaconstellation
SpaceX has launched its 96th Falcon 9 rocket of the year, carrying 28 additional Starlink satellites into orbit. These new satellites will expand the Starlink megaconstellation, which now totals around 8,000 satellites. This ongoing deployment aims to enhance global broadband internet coverage by increasing the network's capacity and reach. The continuous addition of Starlink satellites underscores SpaceX's aggressive pace in building one of the largest satellite constellations in history. This expansion is critical for improving internet access in underserved and remote areas worldwide, supporting SpaceX's goal of providing high-speed, low-latency connectivity on a global scale.
IoTsatellite-technologyStarlinkSpaceXmegaconstellationcommunication-networksbroadband-internetStarlink suffers rare global blackout, Elon Musk promises fix
Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, experienced a rare global outage on July 24, 2025, disrupting connectivity for thousands of users across multiple continents including North America, Europe, and Africa. The outage began around 3:24 pm ET, with reports peaking at over 58,000 users affected according to Downdetector. Starlink acknowledged the issue on social media, stating they were actively working on a solution and promising updates. Musk personally apologized for the disruption on X (formerly Twitter), assuring that the root cause would be addressed to prevent future occurrences. The company’s website also went temporarily offline during the outage, compounding user frustration. The blackout coincided with Musk’s recent announcement about Starlink’s expanding “Direct to Cell” service, which enables smartphones to connect directly to satellites, though no direct link between the update and the outage has been confirmed. The disruption had significant impacts, particularly in remote regions such as Canada’s North, where Starlink supports critical
IoTsatellite-internetStarlinknetwork-outageElon-MuskconnectivitytelecommunicationsElon Musk’s SpaceX might invest $2 billion in Musk’s xAI
Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX is reportedly planning to invest $2 billion in Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI. This investment is expected to be part of a larger $5 billion equity raise, supplemented by an additional $5 billion in debt, anticipated to close by the end of June. This would mark SpaceX’s first investment in xAI and represent one of its largest investments in an external company. The Wall Street Journal reports that SpaceX already utilizes xAI’s chatbot, Grok, to enhance customer service for its Starlink internet service, with intentions to expand collaboration between the two companies. This move aligns with Musk’s history of leveraging synergies among his various ventures, as seen earlier this year with integrations involving Twitter (now X). The article also briefly mentions some controversial chatbot behavior but does not provide further details.
IoTAISpaceXxAIStarlinkchatbotinvestmentBoosted by defense and Starlink, Orca AI pulls in $72.5M for its autonomous shipping platform
autonomous-shippingAI-navigationdefense-technologyIoTfuel-efficiencymaritime-technologyStarlink