The Internet became an essential part of lifestyle beginning from the time it revolutionized the growing communication technology. When interacting from one person to another, it always revolves around using the internet as a medium of conversation. Thus, if the internet fails to serve your daily interactions due to low connectivity, you will have serious problems keeping communication on a steady basis. Luckily, internet satellites are here to save your day. These wireless connections from space can reach extensive connectivity, including in the rural areas within a country. However, in third-world countries, the availability of internet connection is scarce due to the inability to provide for its access.
The famous internet satellite, SpaceX, is now on its movement to give low-cost internet services to all people, especially those who consider internet connection a luxury. However, not many individuals know about the private company’s innovative approach that challenges government agencies to deliver equal accessibility to all people.
Here are the seven facts you didn’t know about SpaceX Starlink which will gradually blow your mind.
1. SpaceX is owned by Elon Musk
Yes, you heard it! SpaceX is owned by the renowned entrepreneur, Elon Musk, who also happens to be the founder of Tesla, Inc., widely known for its innovative electric cars. Elon Musk graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physics and also took an undergraduate degree in economics. Later on, he continued his studies for a Ph.D. in energy physics at Stanford University.
Given his credentials, he pursues to seek the inexpensive internet provider that will bring accessibility of internet connection to people from different countries and supply internet access for those who live in rural areas. Even though he was faced with big competitors, Elon Musk continues to develop his successes and aims to become a prominent company in the rocket business industry.
2. The First Private Rocket that Returns Back to Earth
On June 4, 2010, the SpaceX Falcon 9 was the first rocket that successfully landed back on earth’s orbit after launching from Cape Canaveral, Air Force Station in Florida. This success celebrates the company’s hardships and failures as they strived to achieve their dream to become the first company to privately launch a rocket, aside from government agencies like NASA. Ten years after the historical launch back in 2010, SpaceX now develops its innovative approaches in establishing the Starlink mission. Although it is still an undergoing project, the 10-year development now shows promising successes as it recently launched 60 Starlink satellites last February 04, 2021.
3. The company holds a world record of 143 launched satellites.
A new world record was achieved when SpaceX beat the current record of 104 launched rockets from the year 2017. As stated from the recent tweet of Elon Musk back on January 23, 2021, he excitedly expresses his most-awaited mission that delivers a goal to provide low-cost internet access across the globe. Holding the title for the most spaceships deployed, Elon Musk proudly showcases the efforts in trusting the Falcon 9 after many of its test runs and attempts to launch in space. Now that SpaceX confidently believes that Falcon 9 can handle a mission, Elon Musk challenged the world by accomplishing the “Transporter-1 mission” which deploys all 143 satellites in one go.
4. 2019 was the Year of Starlink Mission
Elon Musk introduced the upcoming project of SpaceX Starlink Mission last January 2015, without any hinting of its official launch. Four years after that, SpaceX launches 60 satellites in space and accomplishes the vision of 6 launches for the year 2019. The procedure was a success, and SpaceX placed over 360 satellites in the year 2019 alone. Followed by this event, SpaceX continues to deliver the same goal as they victoriously stationed over 720 satellites in space. After the 2-year consistency, Elon Musk aims to conduct the same goals for this year, 2021. Rearing on a good start, SpaceX carried out two consecutive launches on January 20 and February 04.
Launching many small satellites for a wide range of customers tomorrow. Excited about offering low-cost access to orbit for small companies! https://t.co/NrXmBML747
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 22, 2021
5. There are 10,000 users of Starlink Satellite
There are hundreds and thousands of people across the United States and countries worldwide who have already accessed the Starlink Internet network services. Through their inquiries from starlink.com, an estimated 50 states have gathered to sign up to learn about its accessibility to everyone. With the growing usage of the internet nowadays, people are now desperate to access good internet speed but always risk paying for a hefty load of money every month. When they discovered the most outstanding innovation by SpaceX, almost all individuals are now excited about the Starlink Satellite successes. Even though 10,000 users are merely a small percentage of the total population that spans over millions of people, SpaceX has a relatively great start, especially that they are still on its mission to launch more satellites in the future. When that happens, millions of people will utilize the Starlink network as their primary internet provider.
6. Starlink Satellite now produces 150Mbps internet speed
There are vast satellite plans that you can search for, but Starlink offers a more impressive performance unlike any other. Upon establishment by SpaceX, Starlink produces up to 100 to 150 Mbps, which yields higher than other satellite networks that could only make a maximum of 100 Mbps. Starlink also provides no data limitation, which can hold a better performance length, especially for continuous usages like gaming and streaming. Since it has lower latency, it is worth its price of $99 a month, excluding the $499 installation of Starlink equipment. As an investment, Starlink is better than any satellite internet providers as it allows capacity to reach even the rural areas in a country.
7. Emergency Services from Starlink has saved lives
In the year 2020, there was a wildfire that devastated the country of Australia. Leaning on for help in communication centers like 911, it unlikely happened that there was a cut off in a rural town’s communication network, which resides one of the wildfire casualties. Without anyone to ask for help, the people from the city seek the services provided by SpaceX, which can connect them to a Starlink network provider that can give free access to internet and telephone services. As stated by Elon Musk, he was glad that Starlink had served its purpose to help people from rural areas access the internet and emergency responders. When the Starlink network provided communication, the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) saved those affected by the wildfire casualties in Australia.
SpaceX faces failures as motivation to develop better
Back in 2016, Falcon 9 experienced a significant setback that hindered its development. The problematic failure when launching the Falcon 9 has resulted in a billion loss of money, including the potential to establish a satellite for the Facebook company. Even though SpaceX experienced such a huge loss, the company believed in Elon Musk’s vision to provide for those in need. They knew that their mission was to deliver accessibility for all and provide the capacity to become the leading internet provider with a low-cost of value. Looking through the years of development by SpaceX, it is outstanding to see its accomplishments to make the world better. Now in 2021, it is expected that SpaceX will do more great achievements that will astound the whole world.
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