The test of the Starlink “space lasers,” also known as intersatellite links, is key to the network’s success. With links throughout orbit, SpaceX says “Starlink will be one of the fastest options available to transfer data around the world.”
Starlink is the SpaceX’S ambitious plan to build an interconnected network of about 12,000 small satellites in low Earth orbit.
To date, SpaceX has launched about 650 of its version 1.0 satellites and is currently building a system of ground stations and user terminals to connect consumers directly to its network.
The company told the FCC in July that SpaceX is building 120 satellites per month.
SpaceX this summer said that Starlink is already seeing “extraordinary demand” from potential customers, with “nearly 700,000 individuals” across the United States indicating they are interested in the company’s coming service.
Starlink is planning to run a public beta of the service in the near future, with interested persons currently able to submit their address on the Starlink site.
South Africans can also sign up, however, current indications are that the beta will first go live in the US and Canada.
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