Table of Contents
Context: Elon Musk launched Starlink internet service in Indonesia.
About Starlink Satellite Project
Aspect | Details |
Launched | 2019 |
What is Starlink Satellite Project? | It is a SpaceX project aimed at building a broadband network using a cluster of thousands of orbiting satellites. |
Purpose | To build a broadband network providing satellite-based internet to the remotest corners of the world. |
Method | Deployment of a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. |
Altitude | Starlink satellites will be positioned in the altitude range of 350 km to 1,200 km within the LEO, which extends up to 2,000 km above Earth’s surface. |
Advantages of Starlink Project
- Reduced Latency: Due to the satellites being in LEO, there is a reduced latency between sender and receiver.
- Accessibility: Capable of delivering internet to remote areas where traditional methods, like fibre-optic cables, have failed.
Disadvantages of Starlink
- Space Debris: The simultaneous launch of thousands of new satellites will significantly increase the load on near-Earth space. Inevitably, some of these satellites will crash, contributing to the space debris population.
- Risky Flights: Starlink has often been accused of conducting flights that come dangerously close to other satellites.
- Interference with Observations: Astronomers worry that the size and scope of projects like Starlink will interfere with observations of the universe due to the bright, orbiting objects.
- Climate Impact: The deorbiting of old satellites will burn a significant amount of metal in the Earth’s atmosphere, which could lead to unpredictability in the planet’s climate.
Comparison with Geostationary Satellite Internet
- Advantages of Geostationary Satellites:
- Better Coverage: Fewer satellites (approximately 3 or 4) are needed to cover the entire Earth.
- Stationary Appearance: Satellites appear stationary relative to Earth, simplifying linkage.
- Disadvantages of Geostationary Satellites:
- High Latency: Due to their higher placement at 35,786 km above the Earth’s equator, they experience higher latency.
India and Space Internet
- Indian Space Policy-2023:
- Allows non-government entities (NGEs) to provide national and international space-based communication services via self-owned, procured, or leased geostationary and non-geostationary satellite orbit systems.
- GMPCS License Holders:
- Only two firms have a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications:
- Reliance Jio
- Bharti Airtel Ltd. in partnership with the United Kingdom government’s OneWeb, which merged with the French firm Eutelsat.
- Only two firms have a Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence from the Department of Telecommunications: