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SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

zdnet.com

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Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#711

Post by BurningFrog »

sevenzero wrote: post #580
tgsovlerkhgsel wrote: post #578

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Change is inevitable. I love seeing artificial objects in space, because it shows that we, humanity, are finally getting there. Elon doesn't own space, he just happens to be the one who is currently best at making it reachable. There is plenty of space for everyone else, and others will get there, eventually. I could eat myself up with envy over the money he's making from it... or be glad that it's at least someone g…

Yea but it introduces a lot of issues for space travel and other satellites. The useful space in space we have is extremely limited. A single company shouldn't be able to just clutter space at will.

There is nothing more abundant than the extra room there is in space!

Earth orbit is more constrained, but it's very far from full. Geostationary orbits are about 20% full, but the rest is practically empty still.

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#712

Post by inemesitaffia »

afavour wrote: post #331
dtagames wrote: post #299

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If we can get internet from the sky, it's hard to justify digging up the earth with cables for the same thing. I realize Space X "pollutes" space and astronomy is also important, but it's not more important than communications and information for people on earth.

I disagree, maintaining a giant fleet of satellites is almost certainly more expensive in the long run than just running a lot of cable. Not that cable doesn’t need maintenance but Starlink needs to replace every satellite every five years. And they can’t recycle a thing, they just burn up. You’re presenting a false choice. It isn’t “Starlink or no internet”, it’s “why not other internet options?”

More expensive for whom?

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#713

Post by j-bos »

Waterluvian wrote: post #696
j-bos wrote: post #684

My mom lived with overpriced, underdeveloped, unreliable, and slow internet for years. Now she pays less for fast, reliable, sometimes improving bandwidth that doesn't go down for weeks after a storm. Progress is often gross, but it can be a lifesaver.

That’s great and I’m happy for her. Progress should be for all, not just the developed elite hanging out in tech circles. Alas, Not In My Low Earth Orbit.

Dude, she pays for it herself on pension.

And besides:

> Progress should be for all, not just the developed elite hanging out in tech circles.

That's... that's basically been the start of every generally available technology that exists today, to benefit of "all."

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#715

Post by RetpolineDrama »

jneaty wrote: post #602
tgsovlerkhgsel wrote: post #578

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Change is inevitable. I love seeing artificial objects in space, because it shows that we, humanity, are finally getting there. Elon doesn't own space, he just happens to be the one who is currently best at making it reachable. There is plenty of space for everyone else, and others will get there, eventually. I could eat myself up with envy over the money he's making from it... or be glad that it's at least someone g…

I wonder what you mean by "moving humanity forward". Just technological advancements without other considerations? In my opinion it should at least require reducing human suffering, and if ao he has done more harm than good

[flagged]

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#716

Post by rsynnott »

stevep98 wrote: post #444
kevinkeller wrote: post #155

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I don't understand the huge upside for Starlink outside of Africa or India, where they have India is rapidly expanding fiber internet connectivity, even in rural areas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharat_Broadband_Network In addition, 4G/5G coverage is extensive: https://www.ookla.com/articles/india-mobile-connectivity-1h2... See India in this 5G global coverage map: https://www.ookla.com/articles/5g-map-2026 The…

Global cellular operator revenue is approx $1T. They have put their toe in the water with direct-to-cellular support for starlink, and have bought spectrum to improve this. I'm sure they basically want to offer cellular to everyone in the world and get a good chunk of that $1T. Maybe they want 20% of it? Sounds crazy, but China Mobile, Verizon, and Deutsche Telecom each have 10%. Sounds it's not so wild that they can…

It’s a pretty low margin business, tho, generally.

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#717

Post by BurningFrog »

digitaltrees wrote: post #379

I have started to see what I think are star link satellites at night on walks with my kids. It actually makes me sad to see that on person owns the night sky and is changing the literal stars my kids will grow up with. It feels different when it’s the government that theoretically represents people but when it’s one person that feels truly depressing.

"I saw something I didn't like, so I assumed it was the fault of a billionaire I don't like" didn't use to be the top voted comment on HN.

Starlink satellites have low orbits and only reflect sunlight around sunrise and sunset.

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#718

Post by lern_too_spel »

rr808 wrote: post #679
freedomben wrote: post #633

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This strikes me as NIMBYism at a global scale. At least you've got yours right!

Its more the other way around. Its mostly used by the wealthiest few percent, the majority of the world has to pay for the damage it causes.

As long as the externalities are paid for, I don't see the problem. Musk has made the world a worse place in many ways, but I don't see how this is one of them.

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#719

Post by jordanb »

JumpinJack_Cash wrote: post #651
jordanb wrote: post #96

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This was always the sour economics of satellite internet. Satellite internet works for a low density of customers spread evenly across the globe. But customers are not spread evenly they mostly live in megalopolist regions that can be served more efficiently with land infrastructure. Worse most of the people not in the megalopolists have less money to spend on internet services. So your customer base are limited to p…

Space Bears have been saying this forever.

And the satellite internet business has been a dog since forever.

Even starlink only makes sense if you ignore the absolutely immense capital investment in it. And they're probably hiding losses in the launch division considering it's losing money despite 80% of its business being launching starlink satellites (they blame starship but that was supposed to be funded by NASA).

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#720

Post by SoftTalker »

goodcanadian wrote: post #680
franciscop wrote: post #610

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I feel that way about street advertising, beautiful European cities with historical buildings all around and suddenly a big screen/panel asking you to buy whatever.

I lived for a few years in Hawaii, where they have banned most outdoor advertising. Having seen the difference, I strongly support such initiatives.

You can see it all over the USA, there are many localities and routes that have banned outdoor advertising, and when you're traveling on a parkway with nothing but trees on either side and then you come to the end and there are billboards every 100 yards it's really noticable.
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