(Opens in a new window)Unlike other satellite internet systems, Starlink aims to provide very low latency connections. Many of the satellites will remain in very-low Earth orbit (VLEO) to improve connectivity. SpaceX has promised latency as low as 15ms, which would be very impressive if true. Initially, SpaceX only planned to launch a few thousand satellites to power Starlink, but that number has since ballooned to at least 30,000. The company hopes to have 2,000 in orbit by the end of the year. Astronomers worry that the high reflectivity of thousands of satellites will throw off observations of distant objects. Musk says the team is looking at ways to reduce the albedo (or reflectivity) of the satellites in future launches. With thousands of satellites in the constellation, there is also concern they could collide with other satellites.
(Opens in a new window)The Falcon 9 that delivered the second batch of Starlink satellites to space also set a record for reusability. This was the booster's fourth launch, having landed after three previous missions. While SpaceX managed to land the rocket a fourth time, it's unclear if it will get another mission. This was also the first mission to use refurbished fairings -- those are the aerodynamic shells that cover the payload on the second stage. SpaceX just started collecting those for reuse recently. SpaceX isn't the only company planning a large satellite constellation, but its unparalleled rocket reusability should help it realize the strategy on the cheap. Now read:
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