Elon Musk's SpaceX to Release Starlink Military Variation "Starshield" for National Security Purposes

Elon Musk's SpaceX plans to expand its scope by capitalizing on Starlink's existing technology and using it for government purposes, specifically national security.

The Starlink broadband service is already serving numerous customers from all over the world through its vast constellation.

Now, according to Space, SpaceX announced to the public that Starlink has a partner called Starshield, specifically designed for government usage. It is meant to help with national security purposes particularly.

SpaceX shares that Starshield will leverage Starlink technology as it supports efforts toward national security. According to CNET, Starlink's existing satellites can bring broadband services to particular areas with reduced latency and restrictions in data that are caused by stationary and traditional satellite services.

Starlink vs. Starshield

Unlike Starlink, Starshield is booted specifically for government usage. The service also has three key focus areas, namely earth communications, observation, and hosted payloads, which refer to the capacity to include various instruments on the satellite bus of Starshield.

Moreover, compared to Starlink, Starshield will provide higher security levels. The service will specifically feature a cryptographic capacity with high assurance and can host particular payloads and process information safely. This ensures that the service meets the requirements of the government.

Other than that, the spacecraft of Starshield can also interoperate with other satellites that are booted with the samesta terminal for laser communication that Starlink uses.

SpaceX does not give any other details about Starshield, so this is all enthusiasts can know.

CNET also shares that there is no news on whether there are any existing Starshield satellites in orbit, when Starshield will be released for government usage, and which agencies or divisions will utilize Starshield.

SpaceX's Starlink

Starlink, however, has information available widely. The mega constellation is currently armed with over 3,200 different active satellites. This number may increase as months and years pass.

Space also shares that SpaceX has been granted the go signal from the US FCC or Federal Communications Commission to launch Starlink's 12,000 1st Gen spacecraft. This type of craft is already orbiting through low earth.

On top of this, SpaceX has also filed for approval to launch almost 30,000 2.0 satellites of Starlink. Compared to the models that went before these crafts, the new spacecraft will be larger and more powerful.

Moreover, the FCC allowed SpaceX to launch 7,500 2.0 spacecraft last week. This number was decided based on issues concerning debris and traffic across space. The agency has yet to give its other judgment for the remaining application.

Check out more news and information on SpaceX in Science Times.