SpaceX recently unveiled its new Starlink Aviation service, which, according to the firm, will provide high-speed in-flight internet that will allow users to conduct voice calls and stream videogames.

Airplane Flight
(Photo: Lars Nissen/Pixabay)
Airplane Flight


Starlink Service on Airlines

According to Interesting Engineering, the new service primarily targets private jet contractors and promises airliners bandwidth of up to 350 Mbps. Additionally, SpaceX earlier this year disclosed a collaboration with Hawaiian Airlines to offer free WiFi on board beginning early in 2019.

In-flight internet

In order for an airplane to have a clear view of the sky, Starlink Aviation will require users to install a specially made "Aero Terminal" at the top of their craft. The replacement for the typical satellite dish used by Starlink is more covert and appears as a small panel atop the aircraft.

SpaceX claims its Starlink Aviation service will be accessible anywhere on its FAQ page. Since more than 2,300 Starlink satellites have been launched into orbit by SpaceX, travelers will always have internet access, even when moving. 

In order to emphasize that the service will continue to function throughout taxiing and landing, SpaceX stated on Twitter that passengers would be able to access high-speed, low-latency internet from the minute they step on board their flight.

Other in-flight internet services haven't made it possible for users to make video calls or even stream games while in the air, according to SpaceX. According to SpaceX's website, customers must deposit $5,000 to reserve a Starlink Aviation slot, and the company expects to start shipping the Starlink Aviation Aero Terminal kit in 2023.

Starlink Rapid Expansion

Starlink service has been fast growing at SpaceX by entering additional countries. It is offered in 32 nations worldwide and will expand to many more next year. Additionally, it is developing its service by making it increasingly possible for moving vehicles to use it.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved Starlink for use on ships, aircraft, and other vehicles, including recreational vehicles in July. In June, the Royal Caribbean Group announced that Starlink would be used on its cruise ships. Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines declared that it would use satellite internet to offer its customers free WiFi.

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Starlink Benefits 

Numerous customers have been able to live off the grid in enviable ways because of Starlink. One of these customers is the facility manager, Steve Birch, who runs his internet on a 300-watt solar system.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February of this year, about 150,000 citizens and military personnel have connected daily due to the satellite internet connection.

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, made headlines last week when he said that his company would quit paying for Starlink flights over Ukraine. However, he quickly changed his mind after learning that the Pentagon would not take over funding for the service.

According to CNN, Musk said that a total of 20,000 Starlink satellites had been donated to Ukraine. He said that the operation had cost SpaceX $80 million and would eventually cost more than $100 million.

 

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