SpaceX has taken the wraps off its new Starlink V2 ‘Mini’ satellites with updated capabilities. The reveal comes as the company prepares to load them on a Falcon 9 payload for the upcoming launch.
These satellites are the next-gen (Gen2) version that will boost the Starlink internet network capabilities.
Describing the new satellites, the official SpaceX Twitter handle posted, “V2 minis include key technologies—such as more powerful phased array antennas and the use of E-band for backhaul—which will allow Starlink to provide ~4x more capacity per satellite than earlier iterations. This means Starlink can provide more bandwidth with increased reliability and connect millions of more people around the world with high-speed internet.”
V2 minis include key technologies—such as more powerful phased array antennas and the use of E-band for backhaul—which will allow Starlink to provide ~4x more capacity per satellite than earlier iterations
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 26, 2023
SpaceX plans to launch 21 new V2 Mini satellites on February 27th from the Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The company received the necessary approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch up to 7,500 V2 satellites in the future.
While the Falcon 9 can launch the Mini V2 satellites, upcoming versions of the Gen2 satellites will require the Starship because they are larger and heavier. The latter will have massive antennae and tech capable of sending voice and SMS data directly to phones.
SpaceX has put nearly 4,000 Starlink satellites in orbit. The first set of Gen2 satellites launched last December.
