SpaceX demonstrated the second generation of Starlink satellites. Thanks to the new antennas, it will provide more capacity – VTM.cz

There is a lot of interest in Starlink’s satellite Internet connection, which, due to limited network capacity, is causing a gradual slowdown in transmission speeds. So SpaceX is preparing to launch second-generation satellites, which should provide four times the capacity.

The second generation of satellites will be produced in two sizes – while It will be bigger v2 In the future to launch the Starship rocket into orbit, The smaller V2 Mini It can carry a Falcon 9. The new satellites have improved, more powerful phased-array antennas and use E-band (a part of the electromagnetic spectrum above frequencies commonly used for cellular and wireless networks) for reverse communications.

We call them V2 Mini.

SpaceX has not specified what data transfers the new satellites will handle, but the first generation is designed for speeds of 17 to 23 gigabits per second per satellite. web Ars Technica She asked SpaceX for information about the new satellite’s transmission speeds and an answer to a question about whether existing user stations would be able to use the higher speed, but had not received a response by Tuesday morning.

“We call them the ‘V2 Mini.’ They represent a step forward in Starlink’s capabilities.” SpaceX reported on the social network Twitter, adding two images of the new satellites to the post. The larger V2 satellites, which will be launched when the Starship rocket is ready, will be able to transmit a signal that can also be picked up by cell phones.

Despite the name, the Satellite V2 Mini is larger and heavier than the first generation satellites, which weigh around 295 kg. The Starlink V2 Mini satellite weighs about 798 kilograms, which is almost three times more than the older version. They’re also larger—their fuselages are more than 16 feet (4.1 m) wide, so they take up more of the Falcon 9’s payload bay at launch.

Larger satellites have advantages and disadvantages

Larger satellites mean that coverage will be required to expand Three times more Falcon 9 launches. However, in the covered areas it will be possible to serve several times more customers or provide much more bandwidth to the same number of customers due to the higher performance.

For the second generation of satellites to have a noticeable impact on broadband speeds, it will likely be necessary to wait for enough satellites to launch. Starlink currently has approximately 3,700 first-generation satellites in orbit, but the network is at capacity, and in most parts of the United States interested parties must sign up for a waiting list.

Satellite V2 Mini is also equipped Argon-powered Hall engine, which SpaceX says is a cheaper alternative to the xenon fuel commonly used in satellite propulsion systems. it will be “The first time the Argonne Hall Engine has been operated in space”The company claims.