After SpaceX launched another 60 Starlink satellites this morning, CEO Elon Musk confirmed once this batch makes its way to their positions, the public beta for Starlink internet will finally be able to launch.
“Once these satellites reach their target position, we will be able to roll out a fairly wide public beta in northern US & hopefully southern Canada. Other countries to follow as soon as we receive regulatory approval,” said Musk on Tuesday morning. The part about “hopefully” for Canada suggests the initial public beta may be U.S. only at the start.
Once these satellites reach their target position, we will be able to roll out a fairly wide public beta in northern US & hopefully southern Canada. Other countries to follow as soon as we receive regulatory approval.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 6, 2020
Currently, Starlink satellite is in private beta with speeds able to hit over 100 Mbps download. The private beta service is also being used to help first responders in Washington State deal with the fallout of wildfires in the area.
Day 'n' Night
SpaceX lofted 60 Starlink broadband satellites this morning (775 in total). They also recovered the booster and fairing for recycling and reuse. Last week, the Antares night launch brought a new toilet to the ISS.
Magnificent photos by @Mike_Seeley & SRenry on IG pic.twitter.com/KNKgP7knSH
— Steve Jurvetson (@FutureJurvetson) October 6, 2020
Today’s launch makes for 775 total low-earth orbit satellites in space, hovering 341 miles (550 km) above earth. For those living in rural areas of the United States and Canada, Starlink internet can’t come soon enough, as the service will alleviate slow speeds and expensive pricing.
