SpaceX is working on a “ruggedized” version of its Starlink dish designed to work outside cars, boats, and planes and in harsh climates.&n

SpaceX Preps 'Ruggedized' Starlink Dish for Cars, Boats, and Planes

submited by
Style Pass
2021-08-04 21:00:10

SpaceX is working on a “ruggedized” version of its Starlink dish designed to work outside cars, boats, and planes and in harsh climates. 

SpaceX filed an application with the FCC on Tuesday to operate the so-called “high-performance” Starlink dish. The hardware still relies on a phased array antenna to receive the high-speed internet from SpaceX satellites in orbit.  

“But these high-performance (‘HP’) models will operate with higher gain and lower transmit  power (thus maintaining a consistent EIRP compared to other SpaceX Services user terminals),  a higher scan angle, and features that ruggedize the unit for use in harsh environments,” the company wrote in the application. 

In March, SpaceX filed another application to operate Starlink in cars, boats, and vehicles, citing the need to bring high-speed satellite internet to trucks, freighters, and international flights. But at the time, the company proposed using the same “electrically identical” Starlink dish technology. The only apparent difference would be a mount to enable the dish to fit on a moving vehicle. 

Leave a Comment