First announced in 2015, Starlink is a project by SpaceX, one of many cutting-edge endeavors from leading tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. With more than 2,000 satellites in orbit thus far, Starlink is the largest internet constellation and satellite broadband service. Moreover, Starlink internet frequently uses ground-breaking reusable rockets to launch new satellites into orbit. As a result, Starlink promises to offer high-quality internet services to everyone on the planet. This even applies to rural and remote locations previously inaccessible by internet providers.

In this article, we are going to dive deep into the Starlink internet service. We’ll explore the company background, business model, and how to install the physical Starlink device. Also, we’ll explore how Starlink and blockchain technology can collectively offer life-changing opportunities. For a deep dive into how blockchain works, see our Blockchain & Bitcoin Fundamentals course later! Discover a community of more than 30,000 welcoming students at Moralis Academy today!

Exploring Starlink Internet

One of Elon Musk’s many ground-breaking innovations is the Starlink internet service, powered by SpaceX. With a mission of enabling ultra-fast, high-quality broadband, Starlink aims to offer the revolutionary opportunity of worldwide internet access. To achieve this, Musk takes a radical approach to communications technologies. Whereas underground fiber optic internet cables offer some of the highest quality internet services thus far, they are less than ideal for global scaling. Moreover, there are many restrictions on where access to the internet can occur. 

SpaceX is responsible for producing and launching thousands of Starlink satellites into orbit. Further, Starlink satellites can offer “high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable or completely unavailable”. In 2020, SpaceX received a $900 million grant from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to expand Starlink services. After a limited period of preorders and sign-ups for beta testing in 2021, Starlink offers its services to more than 10,000 users in various parts of the world. As part of the FCC funding agreement, SpaceX must adhere to providing Starlink internet services in the “above baseline” tier. In short, these parameters determine a minimum of “100 Mbps download speeds, 20 Mbps upload speeds, and a data cap of at least 2TB a month”. Further, broadband latency must achieve or exceed the FCC’s 100 ms standard. 

Reports from SpaceX state Starlink is exceeding the required broadband demands. Plus, the company advises its users to anticipate further improvements in speed, uptime, and latency. Starlink internet services are designed for customers in hard-to-reach areas and remote locations. This means that not only isolated homes and rural communities can access Starlink but vehicles such as RVs and airplanes. Accordingly, the US military partners with SpaceX to incorporate Starlink connectivity within its fleet of airplanes.

What is SpaceX?

Founded in 2002 by serial entrepreneur Elon Musk, SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation) is an aerospace manufacturer revolutionizing space travel and technologies. Accordingly, the company excels in designing, manufacturing, and successfully launching advanced spacecraft. Moreover, SpaceX is responsible for inventing reusable rockets that can land on earth safely rather than on the water. Further, launch missions are available at a much higher frequency and lower cost than competing space technology companies. As a result, SpaceX is the only satellite broadband internet provider that can send up its own satellites as and when it desires. Also, this means that Starlink internet satellites can frequently upgrade to the latest technologies at a low cost.

SpaceX launches Starlink internet satellites into space in batches of 60 using its pioneering Falcon 9 rocket design. In total, SpaceX plans to launch around 42,000 Starlink internet satellites, mainly into a low earth orbit (LEO). According to “spaceflightnow.com,” as of March 8th, 2022, SpaceX has successfully launched 2,234 Starlink internet satellites. However, unfortunately, due to a solar storm in early February, SpaceX lost around 40 of its satellites. That said, SpaceX appears on track for weekly launch schedules throughout 2022. 

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Musk arranged for Starlink internet services to become available across Ukraine following a personal request from Ukraine’s vice prime minister, Iryna Vereshchuk. In late February 2022, the SpaceX founder and CEO arranged for a batch of Starlink user terminals to be sent to Ukraine. Even though some of the terminals present in warzone territory experienced “signal jamming,” SpaceX is continually working on improving cyber defense technologies. Musk’s latest tweet on the subject states: “Our latest software update bypasses the jamming”. For more on how cutting-edge technologies can help in this crisis, save our “Ukraine and Cryptocurrency” article for later.

Satellite Broadband Internet Providers

Although SpaceX’s Starlink internet service uses ground-breaking aerospace technologies, satellite broadband internet providers are nothing new. Other big names within the space that received funding from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) include Viasat and HughesNet. 

SpaceX, however, has more Starlink satellites than Viasat and HughesNet combined. With more than 2,000 Starlink internet satellites in orbit, SpaceX has four times that of the second-largest internet constellation, OneWeb. Also, the third-largest existing satellite broadband internet provider, Planet Labs PBC, has less than 10% of the number of SpaceX’s (200). In addition to its progressive innovations in the industry, Starlink is arguably more well-known due to its association with SpaceX and Elon Musk. 

How Does Starlink Satellite Internet Service Work?

The overall business infrastructure is relatively straightforward, albeit scaffolded with intricately complex technologies. In short, there is an internet constellation (called “Starlink”) with thousands of satellites in a low earth orbit (LEO). These are responsible for beaming broadband waves down to Earth. On the ground, Starlink uses large hardware terminals to connect to its orbiting internet satellites. The third part of the model is the subscription fee for access to Starlink internet services.

GPS satellites orbit around 20,000 km above Earth, while most satellite internet services orbit about 35,000 km. On the other hand, Starlink satellites orbit at about 550 km. As such, Starlink satellites are much closer to the Earth, with less distance to carry information. Moreover, each satellite has five laser beams, working like optical fibers, which transmit pulses to communicate data. As light travels faster in a vacuum, this gives Starlink its competitive internet service speed with a latency under 20 ms. Conclusively, Starlink satellite internet services beat traditional fiber-optic submarine cables in terms of speed, availability, and scalability. 

In addition, most satellite internet providers beam services from single geostationary satellites resulting in higher latency. Conversely, as Starlink satellites are in such a low orbit, the latency is far lower. As such, Starlink internet services can facilitate real-time online gaming experiences not otherwise possible with other satellite broadband systems.

Starlink Internet Service

Hibernia Networks created the Hibernia Express submarine communications cable system in 2015. Hibernia Express was the first of its kind with specific design fundamentals for low-latency internet services, connecting Canada, Ireland, and the UK. Accordingly, as the first transatlantic cable laid since 2003, the fastest Hibernia cable between New York and London has a latency of 60 ms. Theoretically, Starlink has the potential to achieve a 5 ms latency. As a result, Starlink internet services can prove advantageous in time-sensitive financial operations or video calls.

In 2021, “highspeedinternet.com” concluded a US average broadband speed of 99.3 Mbps from their surveys. According to other sources, the UK average was 51.48 Mbps, and Australia saw an average of 58.83 Mbps in the same period. Many of the 10,000 Starlink beta testers report around 200 Mbps. Even in certain remote parts of Canada, users experience around 150 Mbps. Musk is striving towards 300 Mbps for all users by the end of 2022. Moreover, the tech entrepreneur aims to eventually offer a broadband speed of 10 Gbps to all its users.

Following repeat success in developments and applications, Starlink now offers a premium tier for its users as of February 2022. For an additional monthly amount, premium users can enjoy download speeds between 150 and 500 Mbps, upload speeds up to 40 Mbps, and 20-40 ms latency.

At the time of writing, beta testers of Starlink services cannot move their hardware from one address to another. Also, in April 2021, a tweet from Musk stated the Starlink service is ready to go “fully mobile”. That said, Starlink terminals are still too large to fit inside Tesla vehicles. Instead, Musk plans the initial mobile roll-out using trucks, RVs, ships, and planes. 

Starlink Kit 

So, what does Starlink’s internet service look like in the form of hardware? Everything that’s needed to access Starlink internet is included in the Starlink kit, and the Starlink app is available for smartphones. The physical Starlink device looks like a sleek, futuristic rendition of traditional satellite dishes merged with an iPad. Moreover, each Starlink kit comes with a Starlink, Wi-Fi router, cables, and a base. Plus, different mounting options and accessories are available in the online Starlink shop.

To connect with Starlink internet services, first, download the Starlink app. Then, place the Starlink device outdoors with a direct view of the sky. After, plug it in, and you’re ready to go! Moreover, the Starlink app can assist users with determining the best location for the Starlink device. For example, the app can alert users to the location of an obstruction (such as a pole, tree branch, roof, etc.) that could potentially disrupt the connection between the Starlink dish and the satellite. 

SpaceX suggests mounting the Starlink device “as close to vertical as possible” for best results. Furthermore, the Starlink dish has been proven to withstand extreme weather conditions, from desert heat and gale-force winds to torrential rains and hailstorms. Plus, Starlink can even melt snow! For any potential future customers wondering, the Starlink kit costs $500 (for the dish, router, cables, and base). Also, the internet subscription service is $99 per month before any fees or taxes. 

How Does Starlink Help with Blockchain Technology?

Unsurprisingly, the technological foundations of SpaceX and its division, Starlink, remain secure and under wraps. However, there is no public information available suggesting Starlink’s use of blockchain technology. But there is a possibility SpaceX could incorporate blockchain into its IT infrastructure, tokenizing aerospace parts or fuel consumption. Further, blockchain could aid in improving operational efficiencies within its supply chain. 

However, the Starlink internet service in itself makes the possibility of widespread adoption of blockchain increasingly possible. Moreover, combining the broadband services from Starlink and the transparency, immutability, and security of blockchain brings revolutionary opportunities for many parts of the world. This includes supporting emergency responders in disaster scenarios, virtual doctor appointments, and remote learning to name a few. For example, Starlink offers remote learning opportunities for rural communities around the globe. In the future, all educational certifications and licenses could be immutably stored on the blockchain forever, accessible anywhere. 

Finally, another benefit of Starlink internet services is the ability to offer access to decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. There are more people in the world with access to smartphones than access to banking services. Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies remove any legacy or discriminating financial barriers. With the aid of Starlink internet services, a local independent farmer in Chile can access the same financial instruments as Wall Street bankers using a broadband connection from their phone.

For readers who would like an in-depth tutorial on navigating DeFi applications, see our Master DeFi in 2022 course at Moralis Academy!

Exploring SpaceX Starlink and Blockchain – Summary

The SpaceX project, Starlink, is an innovative satellite internet service provider founded by Elon Musk. Its mission is to provide global access to high-speed, low-latency, reliable broadband at commercially affordable prices. Thus far, the leading aerospace manufacturer has successfully launched more than 2,000 satellites into a low earth orbit (LEO).

With support and funding from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), SpaceX projects an annual turnover of $30 billion for Starlink once commercially active on a global scale. Plus, with profit margins approaching 60% ($18 billion profit), Starlink looks to be an attractive and profitable investment for the future. Nevertheless, the technology is still in the beta stage, with final infrastructural developments underway. Also, Starlink internet is currently only available for home broadband services. However, Musk has assured Starlink enthusiasts that a mobile connection is coming soon.

For more exciting articles on the latest cutting-edge technologies, check out the Moralis Academy blog! For example, why not take a look at our “Top Gaming Tokens”, “How to Create a DAO?”, or our  “How to Survive a Bear Market” articles next! Alternatively, to kickstart your career in blockchain (even with no programming experience), see our Blockchain Business Masterclass course! Explore the world’s leading online Web3 and blockchain education suite, Moralis Academy, today!