Starlink maybe getting better - FCC Approves New Starlink Mini Dish
Next-Generation of Starlink Dishes
The next-generation SpaceX Starlink dish has been shrunk down to about the size of an Apple MacBook and will likely be portable. The FCC has also approved a new high-performance Starlink dish. Once rolled out, this will be the 3rd Generation of its phased array antenna, giving users the ability to receive high-speed broadband internet service from satellites in space.
Two New Dish Models Approved
The first new dish device is smaller than SpaceX’s first-generation Starlink dish. The company’s application for the hardware revealed it measures 11.4 by 9.8 inches. The current consumer Starlink dish measures 20.2 by 11.9 inches and priced today at $599. If portable, that would make this iteration highly flexible for users.
The second dish builds on SpaceX’s previously authorized fixed user terminal models, PCMag reported and is also smaller than SpaceX’s current high-performance dish.
Both these newer Starlink dishes will be able to communicate with first and second-generation Starlink satellites. Pricing and availability are not confirmed, as the SpaceX FCC application did not indicate when the new dishes would be available for purchase. However, it was reported by PC Magazine that SpaceX has started offering Starlink Gen 3 Wi-Fi routers to select subscribers that will work with these new dish options.
A smaller ‘Mini’ Portable Starlink antenna, will be just about half the size of the previous version
How Starlink Works
Starlink delivers high-speed, low-latency internet to users all over the world.
Most satellite internet services come from single geostationary satellites that orbit the planet at an altitude of 22,236 miles (35,786 km). As a result, the round-trip data time between the user and satellite—also known as latency—tends to be high, making it nearly impossible to support streaming, online gaming, video calls, or other high data rate activities.
By contrast, Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that orbit the planet much closer to Earth at about 342 miles (550km), which is approx. 64 times closer to Earth and cover the entire globe. Because Starlink satellites are in a low orbit, latency is significantly lower—around 25 ms (milliseconds) s vs 600+ ms allows a true connection for any use.
Starlink popularity is rapidly expanding globally, particularly for geographically dispersed individuals living in rural areas or those who do not have access to high-speed internet service in New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy, the U.K., and the US. Some users rate it higher than the typical broadband internet service providers offer.
Self-Orienting for Self-Installation
Starlink is the first commercially available phased array antenna. A Starlink Kit arrives with everything needed to get online in minutes including Starlink, Wi-Fi router, cables, and base. Motorized and self-orienting, it connects in minutes, requiring a clear view of the sky, according to Starlink.
Starlink antennas are durable and were designed to withstand extreme cold, heat, (-22°F to 122°F) hail, sleet, heavy rain, gale force winds, and even rocket engines. Starlink is currently being used to show high-quality video of SpaceX Falcon 9, Stage 1 rocket landings at sea, providing continuous coverage in the face of engines capable of generating up to 190,000 lbs. of thrust.
Mounts & Accessories
Mounts designed to permanently be installed on a roof, pole, or wall to avoid obstructions are available for purchase at Starlink. Shop once your Starlink is ready to ship. Cable routing kits, extended cable lengths, mesh nodes, and ethernet adapters are also available.
Current Starlink Dish Options
Starlink currently offers customers three dish options:
The Standard Starlink dish is suited best for residential users.
A High-Performance dish for businesses and enterprises. It can connect to more satellites and is more resilient.
Starlink’s Flat High-Performance dish is made for mobility. This version has enhanced GPS capabilities and can connect to more satellites, providing a more stable internet connection. The Flat High-Performance Starlink dish is also made for use when in motion and connects to RV’s.
