Elon Musk has taken it upon himself to be the Tony Stark of real life. From the innovation and ingenuity of Tesla to Space X. Musk has proven that he’s not that far from the fictional character- perhaps (as some would argue) even better.
Just recently, Musk’s Space X vaulted 60 satellites into space that will be used for internet communications. An hour after being released into space, the satellites successfully spread and fanned out across the globe, like a net. This project, called Starlink aims to provide reliable and affordable internet to everyone. If successful, Musk can add this to his repertoire of successful endeavours, and perhaps use the money to fund his Mars colonizing project. The objective of the Starlink project is to place up to 12,000 satellites into orbit, with 2000 going up every year. It’s estimated that the project will cost $10 billion to develop, and SpaceX aims to have the internet satellite “constellation” fully operational by the mid-2020s.
Even though we’re only hearing of this because Musk is at the forefront of this project, there is stiff competition for Starlink. Softbank backed OneWeb launched its own clutch of satellites in February, while LeoSat Enterprises and Canada’s Telesat are also working to build data networks, Amazon also plans to launch some satellites in the near future, and Facebook is currently in the development stage of their very own internet satellite. The goal of all of these projects is to provide high speed internet to everyone across the globe with an emphasis on underserved and unserved communities. Further, they hope to satisfy customers who aren’t happy with their current providers (cue everyone) by not charging an arm and leg for good internet.
Currently, there are companies that provide internet via satellites but the difference between Starlink and current space internet providers is the altitude of the satellite. Starlink satellites will orbit earth anywhere from 210 miles to 710 miles above the surface in comparison to more than 22 000 miles used by satellites right now. Imagine how much faster your internet would be if it didn’t have to travel an extra 21 000 miles-long round trip.
With all of this being said, one major concern is orbital congestion. Right now there are about 5000 satellites in orbit around earth and surprisingly only about 2000 are actually operational. With all of these companies competing with one another and launching more satellites into space, there is also a proportional increase in pieces of debris accumulating over earth. Contrary to popular belief, satellites have an expiration date, they grow old and wear out like any piece of technology, after which they just float around. The proliferation of satellites and thus a crowded orbit will increase the risk of collisions that would generate more floating junk and in turn pose danger to other satellites. As a global population we’re struggling to clean the planet, imagine how much more difficult it would be to clean up space?
Musk’s Space X is taking measures to reduce his exterrestrial footprint so to speak by equipping his satellites with technology that allows them to maneuver around debris in their path. Further, given the low altitude of Starlink’s satellites, they are pulled back into earth a-lot easier and will literally burn up as it enters the earth’s atmosphere.
All in all, Musk’s Space X achievements to date are remarkable, especially given the number of satellites he plans to launch. Like Tony Stark, Musk is one step closer to revolutionizing our lives. Who knows, maybe one day your internet provider will be Space X. Until then, you’ll have to settle with what you have, earthling.
By Azizia Wahedi
Please note that opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and values of The Blank Page.
