Table of Contents
Introduction
In 2019, SpaceX launched the first 60 satellites for the Starlink project. It has then found more than 2,000 more in orbit around the earth, and more than 10,000 more moons are planned to join them. Starlink aspires to provide high-speed internet services across the globe.
Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, announced Starlink in January 2015, noting the company’s intention to launch 4,000 large-scale satellites in near-earth orbits to deliver low-cost internet.
To imagine the size of this project, you know that only 2,000 moons orbited the earth before Starlink, and throughout its history. Humanity has launched only 9,000 vehicles.
Express internet is currently only available in places with fiber optic cables. Communication satellites provide internet access to remote locations but at prolonged speeds.
Satellite Orbits
According to ESA, satellites are placed in the earth’s fixed orbit, meaning they rotate at the same speed as earth, so they always remain above the same point on earth. It makes it easier for reception dishes to connect to satellites, but it takes a lot of time to send data.
SpaceX aspires to change all of this, encircling the earth with moons orbiting at an altitude close to the planet.
A single moon will not be able to cover a large area of the earth’s surface, nor will it be in a fixed orbit, so ensuring that thousands of satellites cover the planet.
Because its orbit is relatively close, the signal will cut less time on its journey from earth to space and vice versa, an outstanding achievement.
The impact of the force of clouds from the edges of the atmosphere on the satellite increases as it approaches earth. To overcome this problem. SpaceX designed the moons in the form of a vertical shark fin with a pointed tip like a knife blade to penetrate the air.
Each moon weighs about 250 kilograms and acts as a home wi-fi router. Receiving the signal and sending it to the party concerned. The user on earth has a special dish that connects to the nearest moon.
How does Starlink SpaceX Work?
The project did not go without controversy. Each moon has a solar matrix that looks like a wing, capturing the light at sunrise and sunset, shining like a glowing star, causing it to appear in telescope images, confused by the vision of planets and stars behind them. SpaceX reduces this effect by covering and tilting satellites, reducing the reflection of light toward the earth.
One of the most critical projects that may exist affected is the vera Rubin observatory. Which exists scheduled to begin operations in October 2023 in chile. The glow of bright satellites will be affected by their large observation area and high sensitivity.
Another danger these satellites may generate on vehicle objects around the earth. Starlink alone is responsible for more than half of the proximity in earth’s orbits. Which is on its way to increase. The
The Chinese government sent a formal complaint to the united nations, following two severe approaches to the Chinese space station.
Space seems to be on track to be more complex and also busiest in the coming years. With 11 new companies ready to enter the satellite rally race.
Conclusion
One of the most critical projects that may affected is the vera Rubin observatory. Which is scheduled to begin operations in October 2023 in chile. Therefore the glow of bright satellites will affected by their large observation area and high sensitivity.
Another danger these satellites may generate on vehicle objects around the earth. Starlink alone is responsible for more than half of the proximity in earth’s orbits. Which is on its way to increase. The Chinese government sent a formal complaint to the united nations, following two severe approaches to the Chinese space station.