SpaceX has added another tier to its Starlink satellite internet service offerings, this time adding one for airplanes with Starlink Aviation.
In an update to the Starlink website on Tuesday, Starlink Aviation is billed as providing high-speed, low-latency internet with connectivity around the world, and will be available starting in 2023.
Quoted speeds are up to 350Mbps and latency as low as 20ms, giving all passengers on a plane the ability to stream videos, play video games, or any other “high data rate activities” which are not possible with current satellite internet available on airplanes, SpaceX explains.
Customers signing up for Starlink Aviation don’t have to worry about all these data intensive activities that are now possible on their planes as Starlink Aviation includes unlimited data.
With Starlink Aviation, SpaceX has also launched a new Aero Terminal. The new terminal features an electronically steered phased array antenna, which SpaceX says “enables new levels of reliability, redundancy and performance.
The sleek design allows for easy installs which can be completed during routine maintenance checks.
SpaceX is so confident in their hardware that they will warranty it for as long as the Starlink Aviation subscription is active.
Starlink Aviation is not cheap, and even more expensive than Starlink Maritime and Starlink Business. The hardware comes in at $150,000, along with a $12,500 to $25,000 monthly service fee.
Starlink Aviation can’t be installed on any plane just yet. According to the Starlink website supplemental type certificate (STCs) are in development on a limited number of aircraft, including the ERJ-135, ERJ-145, G650, G550, Falcon 2000, G450, Challenger 300, Challenger 350, Global Express, Global 5000, Global 6000, and Global 7500. The company says they are working on getting STCs for other aircraft.
