Starlink
Starlink launches in Rwanda and Philippines
Today, SpaceX launched global roaming services for global Starlink customers. This is an amazing move played by the satellite internet provider and a positive step to extend the user base.
According to the information, SpaceX Starlink Global Roaming launched at a one-time cost of $599 for portable hardware or $2500 for in-motion hardware. You can also choose regional for $150 per month, or global for $200 per month.
Users who want to tag along with the global Starlink plan can hop on the map to get more information about the availability (Here).
Starlink now offers a global roaming option for customers traveling to locations where connectivity has been unreliable or completely unavailable → https://t.co/zQFh5qscts pic.twitter.com/CKpsWVeDx4
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 15, 2023
Roaming:
Past exposure to this tech reveals that Starlink Global Roaming makes use of Starlink’s inter-satellite links (aka space lasers) to provide connectivity around the globe even if you are moving.
This is a new technology, you can expect Starlink’s typical high-speed, low-latency service intermixed with brief periods of poor connectivity, or none at all. However, SpaceX promised to improve coverage broader in the near future.
SpaceX says that the new Starlink Roam will provide a powerful backup for people even in places where the mobile network becomes unreachable.
Interestingly, the Starlink Roam enables you to pause and un-pause service at any time. This will give you the power to customize services according to your preference and requirements.
Initially, SpaceX will ship Standard Starlink, however, a new Flat high-performance version for in-motion use is currently only available for selected markets.
User:
There is some user complaint that just appeared on U.S. carriers and it’s rampage out there, let’s check some.
A Twitter user wrote “And I have problems making @Verizon calls in Whittier!”
We always want you to have the ability to use your services! I'm sorry to learn about any issues with calls, and I'm here to help you. When did this begin and what zip code are you in? Please reply via DM, and we can go from there. Thank you! -Jordan
— Verizon Support (@VerizonSupport) March 15, 2023
Another comes up with “Wow, and with @TMobile I can’t get 5G coverage at my home with a tower less then 5 miles away here in Tallahassee, FL. They say, “they are working it, since they purchased Sprint”
Hi Mark, I can get an update for you and look into the tower that you have mentioned. Send me a DM so we can get to work right away. ^JasonYoung https://t.co/8DIvLVByJj
— T-Mobile Help (@TMobileHelp) March 15, 2023
SpaceX is targeting Thursday, February 2 at 2:43 a.m. ET (7:43 UTC) for a Falcon 9 launch of 53 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
SpaceX confirmed that there are additional launch opportunities on the same day at 4:24 a.m. ET (9:24 UTC), and 6:05 a.m. ET (11:05 UTC) with backup opportunities also available on Friday, February 3 at 2:18 a.m. ET (7:18 UTC), 3:59 a.m. ET (8:59 UTC), and 5:40 a.m. ET (10:40 UTC).
As per the Falcon 9 launch stages, the first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched CRS-24, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13F, OneWeb 1, and one Starlink mission. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on a droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Targeting Thursday, February 2 at 2:43 a.m. ET for Falcon 9’s launch of 53 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from LC-39A in Florida → https://t.co/ufsxNMHOhP
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 31, 2023
Last mission:
On January 31, 2023, SpaceX launched Falcon 9 rocket carrying 49 Starlink satellites and D-Orbit’s ION SCV009 Eclectic Elena to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Read more about that here.
Pre-launch milestones:
HR/MIN/SEC EVENT
- 00:38:00 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load
- 00:35:00 RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading begins
- 00:35:00 1st stage LOX (liquid oxygen) loading begins
- 00:16:00 2nd stage LOX loading begins
- 00:07:00 Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch
- 00:01:00 Command flight computer to begin final pre-launch checks
- 00:01:00 Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins
- 00:00:45 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch
- 00:00:03 Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start
- 00:00:00 Falcon 9 liftoff
Launch milestone:
HR/MIN/SEC EVENT
- 00:01:12 Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
- 00:02:28 1st stage main engine cutoff (MECO)
- 00:02:31 1st and 2nd stages separate
- 00:02:38 2nd stage engine starts (SES-1)
- 00:02:43 Fairing deployment
- 00:06:41 1st stage entry burn begins
- 00:07:00 1st stage entry burn ends
- 00:08:23 1st stage landing burn begins
- 00:08:35 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
- 00:08:44 1st stage landing
- 01:03:56 Starlink satellites deploy
Over the past year, Starlink has been a game changer for consumers and SpaceX continues to boast this satellite internet service in the global market. Speaking of which, Starlink is ready to allure users with a new referral program and it’s how it works.
Nathan Owens (via Twitter) confirmed that Starlink has launched a referral program in Germany. A user who will make another user join Starlink will get 1 month of free service per referral.
Nathan also shared a screenshot of how this referral program works.
All you need to do is send your friends and family a link (https://www.starlink.com/?referral=RC-1173-49138-8)
However, the program is only for limited in Germany, every new customer in the country can test the service for 30 days without having to pay for the hardware.
Still, you must have to send the above-mentioned link, so your referral friend or contact could order Starlink (only via that link).
How will you get your reward?
As soon as the referred person will register for Starlink, you and the person you refer will receive new orders between the 28th of November and the 31st of December. This completes the time span of an entire month.
To be mentioned, the recommendation for referrals will take 30 days to be reviewed after the order is shipped. Thereafter, Starlink will credit one month of free service for each valid referral program participant.
For other markets?
Currently, Starlink has not confirmed a referral program for the U.S. and other countries but we need to wait as this could be the start of what we may see in the near future.
Progress:
Starlink is continuously expanding reaching different countries. For example, SpaceX launched Starlink in Barbados, Pitcairn Island, and Easter Island. There’s also new coverage available in Canada and Alaska.
Furthermore, Starlink services are used in Ukraine for free as announced by the company founder Elon Musk.
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