Starlink Deploys Next-Gen Optical Space Lasers for Global Coverage

On Monday, September 25, at 1:48 a.m. PT, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched 21 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The launch added to Starlink’s existing satellite internet constellation

On Tuesday, SpaceX announced its Starlink constellation now comprises of more than 8,000 space lasers. The next-generation of these space lasers were first launched into orbit on Monday. These lasers enable the satellites to connect over thousands of kilometers, beyond the reach of ground stations.

The technology maintains pointing accuracy, facilitating data transfer rates of up to 100 Gbps on each link. Th advanced laser mesh network will allow Starlink to offer truly global coverage, including services to remote maritime and aviation customers, says SpaceX.

SpaceX first launched its laser satellites back in early 2021, but all Starlink satellite launches in 2022 included laser capabilities. There are now over 2 million Starlink customers worldwide.