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Tag: spacex

  • FCC to Boost Cellular/Satellite Communication Adoption

    FCC to Boost Cellular/Satellite Communication Adoption

    T-Mobile and SpaceX’s efforts to join cellular and satellite phone service are getting a bit of help from the FCC.

    The FCC has unveiled “a new regulatory framework to facilitate innovative collaborations between satellite operators and wireless companies.” The framework will help cellular operators better tap into the growing network of satellites being used for internet service.

    T-Mobile and SpaceX announced a deal for the nation’s second-largest carrier to use SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation to help provide coast-to-coast coverage in the US.

    “We’ve always thought differently about what it means to keep customers connected, and that’s why we’re working with the best to deliver coverage above and beyond anything customers have ever seen before,” said Mike Sievert, CEO and president of T-Mobile, said at the time of the announcement. “More than just a groundbreaking alliance, this represents two industry-shaking innovators challenging the old ways of doing things to create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors.”

    The FCC’s proposed framework would make it easier for T-Mobile, SpaceX, and other companies to integrate their services:

    The FCC proposes allowing authorized non-geostationary orbit satellite operators to apply to access terrestrial spectrum if certain prerequisites are met, including a lease from the terrestrial licensee within a specified geographic area. A satellite operator could then serve a wireless provider’s customers should they need connectivity in remote areas, for example in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert, Lake Michigan, the 100-Mile Wilderness, or the Uinta Mountains.

    “We are fast heading to a world where next-generation wireless networks will connect everyone and everything around us,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “They will open up possibilities for communications that we cannot even fully imagine today. But we will not be successful in our effort to make this always-on connectivity available to everyone, everywhere if we limit ourselves to using only one technology. We are going to need it all—fiber networks, licensed terrestrial wireless systems, next-generation unlicensed technology, and satellite broadband. But if we do this right, these networks will seamlessly interact in a way that is invisible to the user. We won’t need to think about what network, where, and what services are available. Connections will just work everywhere, all the time. “

  • FCC Deals Blow to Starlink, Approves Amazon’s Kuiper Satellite Plans

    FCC Deals Blow to Starlink, Approves Amazon’s Kuiper Satellite Plans

    The Federal Communications Commission has dealt a blow to Starlink, approving Amazon’s Kuiper satellite plans.

    Kuiper is the satellite internet constellation Amazon is deploying, in direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink. SpaceX wanted the FCC to limit the number of satellites Amazon could deploy.

    In an ex parte letter, SpaceX argues that the Commission should limit Kuiper to deploy only 578 satellites in its 630 kilometer orbital shell, and defer action regarding the remainder of the constellation.

    The FCC rejected SpaceX’s demands and accepted Amazon’s proposed “orbital debris mitigation plan,” clearing the way for the company to begin launching its satellites.

    Specifically, we grant Kuiper’s request for approval of its updated orbital debris mitigation plan, thereby satisfying a condition of our action in 2020 conditionally granting Kuiper’s request to deploy and operate its NGSO system. Our action will allow Kuiper to begin deployment of its constellation in order to bring high-speed broadband connectivity to customers around the world.

    In granting this modification, we have considered the issues raised by interested parties in the record. These issues include, but are not limited to, collision risk, post-mission disposal reliability, completion of satellite design, and orbital separation. To address these and other issues, we require Kuiper to comply with a series of conditions, as outlined below. We adopt requirements for Kuiper to report mitigation actions taken to avoid collisions in space and to coordinate and collaborate with NASA to ensure continued availability of launch windows and on other matters.

    It is unclear exactly when Amazon will begin launching satellites, although previous reports indicated it would be sometime in 2023.

  • Starshield: SpaceX’s Military Satellite Platform

    Starshield: SpaceX’s Military Satellite Platform

    SpaceX is launching a second line of satellites named “Starshield,” this one aimed at military and national security applications.

    SpaceX is the leading low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite operator with its Starlink constellation of satellites. Starlink provides internet access to under-served communities and regions, but the company sees potential in military applications as well.

    The company describes Starshield’s role on its website:

    Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use.

    SpaceX says the initial focus will be on Earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads, and touts the security and encryption the platforms provides.

    Starlink already offers unparalleled end-to-end user data encryption. Starshield uses additional high-assurance cryptographic capability to host classified payloads and process data securely, meeting the most demanding government requirements.

  • Elon Musk’s Twitter Acquisition Drives Up Dogecoin Price

    Elon Musk’s Twitter Acquisition Drives Up Dogecoin Price

    Elon Musk finalized his Twitter purchase last week, and Dogecoin investors have reason to rejoice.

    Musk has been a long-time fan of the dog-themed crypto. Despite its origins as a meme coin, Dogecoin has become a major crypto. Tesla began accepting Dogecoin in early 2022 and Musk’s other company, SpaceX, even accepted Dogecoin for a satellite mission to Mars.

    According to Reuters, Dogecoin is seeing a major boost following the Twitter deal, jumping as much as 70% on Saturday.

    Only time will tell if the crypto will keep its gains, but having one of its biggest proponents in charge of one of the world’s biggest social media platforms is sure to help.

  • Microsoft and Starlink Combine Cloud Computing and Anywhere Connectivity

    Microsoft and Starlink Combine Cloud Computing and Anywhere Connectivity

    Microsoft is expanding its focus on space, working with SpaceX to combine the power of Azure with the latter’s Starlink internet.

    Microsoft unveiled Azure Space nearly two years ago, partnering with SpaceX, among others. The company is expanding that collaboration with the goal of bringing Azure cloud computing to whether customers need it, thanks to Starlink satellite internet.

    “Azure Orbital Cloud Access brings connectivity from the cloud wherever businesses and public sector organizations need it the most,” writes Jason Zander, EVP, Strategic Missions and Technologies. “Across the space ecosystem, we are seeing a proliferation of low-latency satellite communication networks. This massive new expansion of connectivity across fiber, cellular, and satellite networks demands a new approach to connectivity, one which intelligently prioritizes traffic across these options, and bridges resilient connectivity into a seamless cloud experience.

    “Today, we are announcing the preview of Azure Orbital Cloud Access. Serving as a step toward the future of integrated 5G and satellite communications, Azure Orbital Cloud Access is a new service that enables low-latency (1-hop) access to the cloud—from anywhere on the planet—making it easier to bring satellite-based communications into your enterprise cloud operation.”

    Read more: Microsoft Makes the Leap to Space With Azure Space

    The service is currently only available to Azure Government customers. Microsoft is pitching it as an option where there is little to no connectivity or in applications that require a redundant fallback connection.

    Microsoft says its Azure traffic will be prioritized on Starlink’s network, offering the speed and reliability its customers require.

    “Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency global connectivity in conjunction with Azure infrastructure will enable users to access fiber-like cloud computing access anywhere, anytime. We’re excited to offer this solution to both the public and the private sector.”—Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer

  • T-Mobile Partners With SpaceX to Provide Coast-to-Coast Coverage

    T-Mobile Partners With SpaceX to Provide Coast-to-Coast Coverage

    T-Mobile and SpaceX are working together to take coverage to the next level, leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink service and T-Mobile’s 5G.

    T-Mobile is already the second-largest wireless carrier in the US and is widely considered to be the leader in 5G. Despite significant advances in coverage over the past several years, there are still parts of the US that have no wireless coverage from any provider.

    The magenta carrier wants to fix that problem and is working with SpaceX to do so. The two companies will leverage the power of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, in combination with T-Mobile’s wealth of mid-band spectrum, to provide true coast-to-coast coverage. Best of all, T-Mobile wants to ensure the new network works with existing phones, meaning most phones will be compatible with the service.

    “We’ve always thought differently about what it means to keep customers connected, and that’s why we’re working with the best to deliver coverage above and beyond anything customers have ever seen before,” said Mike Sievert, CEO and president of T-Mobile. “More than just a groundbreaking alliance, this represents two industry-shaking innovators challenging the old ways of doing things to create something entirely new that will further connect customers and scare competitors.”

    “The important thing about this is that it means there are no dead zones anywhere in the world for your cell phone,” said SpaceX Chief Engineer Elon Musk. “We’re incredibly excited to do this with T-Mobile.”

    The two companies’ new network will provide customers with connectivity virtually anywhere they can see the sky. Initial plans include coverage for “the continental US, Hawaii, parts of Alaska, Puerto Rico and territorial waters,” and the companies have invited carriers around the world to participate, opening the door to truly global coverage.

  • FCC Denies Nearly $1 Billion in Subsidies for Starlink

    FCC Denies Nearly $1 Billion in Subsidies for Starlink

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) dealt a major blow to SpaceX’s Starlink, rejecting its application for nearly $1 billion in subsidies.

    Starlink is the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet constellation SpaceX has been racing to deploy. The company was seeking subsidies to assist in its expansion, but the FCC has ruled against it.

    FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel acknowledged Starlink’s potential, but questioned the steep price point.

    “Starlink’s technology has real promise,” said Rosenworcel. “But the question before us was whether to publicly subsidize its still developing technology for consumer broadband—which requires that users purchase a $600 dish—with nearly $900 million in universal service funds until 2032.”

    The decision also impacted LTD Broadband, a Las Vegas-based company. The FCC had previously awarded LTD $1,320,920,718, alongside the $885,509,638 to Starlink. In the case of LTD, the company failed to expand aggressively enough to qualify for the funds.

    Interestingly, not all FCC commissioners agree with the decision. Commissioner Brendan Carr issued the following statement regarding the Starlink decision:

    “I am surprised to find out via a press release—while I am on a work trip to remote parts of Alaska—that the FCC has made this significant decision. I will have more to say because we should be making it easier for unserved communities to get service, not rejecting a proven satellite technology that is delivering robust, high-speed service today. To be clear, this is a decision that tells families in states across the country that they should just keep waiting on the wrong side of the digital divide even though we have the technology to improve their lives now.”

  • DirecTV Joins SpaceX, OneWeb in Objecting to Dish Network’s 5G Plans

    DirecTV Joins SpaceX, OneWeb in Objecting to Dish Network’s 5G Plans

    The hits keep on coming for Dish Network’s 5G plans, with rival DirecTV contacting the FCC with concerns about the impact on satellite TV.

    Dish Network is working to roll out its 5G network. Once known almost exclusively for satellite TV, US regulators want Dish to be the nation’s fourth nationwide carrier, replacing Sprint. In order to achieve that, the company is looking to utilize 12GHz spectrum for its 5G network.

    Unfortunately, SpaceX has raised concerns about Dish’s use of 12GHz spectrum since it falls in the same range as that used by SpaceX to downlink its Starlink satellites with their corresponding ground base stations. SpaceX has warned that its customers will see outages 74% of the time. OneWeb, SpaceX’s British rival, has backed up those claims, saying Dish’s plans would cause significant disruptions.

    DirecTV is now joining the chorus, according to SpaceNews, warning that Dish’s plans would exceed limits designed to protect Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) systems by 100 to 100,000x.

    “Unlike broadband systems, which can replace lost [data] packets through two-way communications, DBS packets lost to interference result in frozen video screens—and canceled subscriptions,” wrote Stacy Fuller, DirecTV’s senior vice president of external affairs, in a letter to the FCC.

    “Accordingly, the Commission should terminate this proceeding and give incumbent satellite operators in the band the certainty they need to continue to invest in developing and delivering advanced services for American consumers.”

    Dish has denied SpaceX’s claims, but the growing chorus of objections is bound to raise concerns at the FCC, especially given the agency’s emphasis on closing the digital divide in the US. Starlink is already proving an invaluable part of that effort, lending weight to concerns it raises about interference.

  • OneWeb Throws Its Weight Behind SpaceX in Dish Network Dispute

    OneWeb Throws Its Weight Behind SpaceX in Dish Network Dispute

    SpaceX received some help from satellite internet competitor OneWeb, with the latter sending its own study to the FCC in support of SpaceX.

    OneWeb is a British satellite internet company and SpaceX’s main competitor. Despite being rivals, OneWeb has sent its own study to the FCC supporting SpaceX’s claims that Dish Network’s 5G plans will harm satellite internet.

    The issue stems from Dish’s plans to use 12GHz spectrum to roll out its 5G network. The spectrum is the same as that used by SpaceX and OneWeb for the downlink between their satellites and ground-based relays. SpaceX claims Dish’s 5G network will significantly interfere with that downlink, leading to outages for its customers 74% of the time.

    Despite Dish claiming that SpaceX is engaging in a “misinformation campaign,” OneWeb agrees with SpaceX, according to their filing with the FCC:

    As demonstrated by the record and reinforced herein, the answer to the Commission’s question is: Yes, there will be harmful interference to the satellite operators providing critical connectivity to communities across the United States. Yet, those hoping to change the rules for this critical spectrum band continue to ignore the people and communities OneWeb can and will help.

    OneWeb goes on to make similar statements as SpaceX, saying that the studies that Dish was a part of fail to look at the complete picture and “blatantly ignore” other critical factors.

    The OneWeb study reaches the same unavoidable conclusion as every other study that precedes it in the record: regardless of the assumptions made with respect to NGSO FSS and two-way terrestrial deployments, harmful interference from the proposed terrestrial service will not only exceed the existing interference envelope for MVDDS in the 12 GHz band, but will cause additional harmful interference.

    It remains to be seen how the FCC will rule, but the evidence appears to be mounting in favor of SpaceX and OneWeb.

  • Dish Network Fires Back at SpaceX ‘Misinformation Campaign’ on 12GHz 5G

    Dish Network Fires Back at SpaceX ‘Misinformation Campaign’ on 12GHz 5G

    Dish Network has helped publish a lengthy response to what it calls a “misinformation campaign” by SpaceX regarding Dish’s plans to use 12GHz spectrum for 5G.

    Dish is in the process of building out its 5G network in an effort to become the fourth nationwide carrier in the US. SpaceX has taken issues with Dish’s plans to use 12GHz spectrum, saying it will interfere with the downlink connection between Starlink satellites and ground-based relays. SpaceX has even recruited more than 95,000 of its Starlink customers to petition the FCC to block Dish’s plans and even accused the latter of trying to mislead the FCC with studies showing the technologies could coexist.

    According to Dish, however, SpaceX is the one that has used misleading data to make its point. A post by the 5Gfor12GHz Coalition, of which Dish is a member, makes the case that Starlink cherry-picked its data points and grossly exaggerated others.

    For example, when discussing how much Dish’s use of 12GHz spectrum could interfere with its downlink, SpaceX used Las Vegas, Nevada, as its data point. According to Dish, Las Vegas was a “cherry-picked partial economic area (PEA” as a result of unique factors.

    Given its unique topology and morphology, Las Vegas is among the most unfavorable geographies to analyze for co-existence (nearly ten times as unfavorable for 5G/satellite coexistence as the national average).

    Similarly, Dish accuses SpaceX of ‘grossly distorting’ 5G network configuration to make its point.

    If the assumptions SpaceX uses in Las Vegas are extrapolated nationwide, they would necessitate the deployment of over 600,000 macro 12 GHz sites across the country. This is wholly unrealistic, as leading nationwide carrier AT&T currently uses only 67,000 macrocells to provide coverage across the entire country to its 81 million subscribers, and with its entire portfolio of spectrum spanning 600 MHz-39 GHz.

    Dish and the 5Gfor12GHz Coalition’s response demonstrates this 5G scuffle is far from over, and the FCC will clearly have its hands full trying to untangle the matter.

  • Nearly 100,000 Starlink Users Petition FCC to Block Dish’s 12GHz 5G

    Nearly 100,000 Starlink Users Petition FCC to Block Dish’s 12GHz 5G

    Starlink’s objections to Dish Network’s 5G plans have received a major boost, with nearly 100,000 users petitioning the FCC in support of Starlink.

    SpaceX sounded the alarm over Dish’s plans to use spectrum in the 12GHz band for its 5G rollout. Since SpaceX relies on that spectrum for the downlink from satellite to ground-based terminals, the company says Dish’s plans will result in outages 74% of the time for Starlink customers in the US. Those customers appear to be genuinely concerned, with 95,703 petitioning the FCC at the time of writing.

    SpaceX minced no words in its letter to the FCC, saying Dish and wireless firm RS Access were flawed and questioned whether the two companies intentionally misled the FCC with their findings.

    As such, SpaceX urges the Commission to investigate whether DISH and RS Access filed intentionally misleading reports. These reports simply cannot be squared with DISH’s own correct representations in December 2019 that “concurrent sharing of spectrum between co-primary 5G and NGSO FSS operations is not viable in the 12 GHz Band.

    SpaceX actively recruited its users to petition the FCC, even providing a couple of pre-written forms for users. These forms are why most of the petitions appear to start with one of two opening lines.

    Given how hard the FCC has been working to help close the “digital divide” in the US – the gap between the availability and quality of internet access in urban and rural areas – the agency is sure to take note of these petitions.

  • SpaceX Says Dish Network’s 5G Aspirations Could Render Starlink Internet ‘Unusable’

    SpaceX Says Dish Network’s 5G Aspirations Could Render Starlink Internet ‘Unusable’

    SpaceX has published an analysis raising alarms over Dish Network’s 5G network rollout, saying it will severely impact its own Starlink internet service.

    Starlink is the satellite internet service SpaceX has been deploying. Unlike previous services, Starlink is a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, giving it the ability to compete with traditional broadband, in terms of speed and latency. According to SpaceX, Dish Network’s 5G rollout threatens that service by using the same 12GHz band spectrum Starlink relies on, causing interference that will render “the band effectively unusable for satellite service to most Americans.”

    SpaceX uses the 12GHz band for the downlink between its satellites and ground-based terminals. The company says that Dish’s use of the spectrum will result in interference at least 77% of the time, resulting in outages 74% of the time.

    In addition to its analysis, the company sent a letter to the FCC, in which it blasted Dish, along with wireless firm RS Access:

    Upon even a cursory review of DISH’s and RS Access’s supposed “studies” relating to how much harm a new high-power mobile service would do to next-generation satellite broadband services in the 12 GHz band, it is clear that no reasonable engineer could believe they represent an honest interference analysis.

    SpaceX even went so far as to insinuate that Dish and RS Access may have intentionally misled the FCC with their statements:

    As such, SpaceX urges the Commission to investigate whether DISH and RS Access filed intentionally misleading reports. These reports simply cannot be squared with DISH’s own correct representations in December 2019 that “concurrent sharing of spectrum between co-primary 5G and NGSO FSS operations is not viable in the 12 GHz Band.”

    It remains to be seen which company’s data and analysis are correct. However, given what’s at stake for Dish and SpaceX, not to mention the allegations SpaceX raises, it’s a safe bet this saga is far from over.

  • SpaceX Fires Employees Who Called Elon Musk An ‘Embarrassment’

    SpaceX Fires Employees Who Called Elon Musk An ‘Embarrassment’

    SpaceX has moved swiftly, firing employees who wrote an open letter to executives in which they called Elon Musk an “embarrassment.”

    News broke yesterday of a letter some SpaceX employees wrote to executives outlining their concerns over Musk’s behavior and his public persona. The letter, which began circulating within the company Wednesday, was extremely critical of Musk, demanding the company distance itself from his tweets and requesting a sit-down with executives to discuss the issues. SpaceX has given its response, firing some of those responsible for the letter, according to The New York Times.

    According to the *Times*, SpaceX CEO Gwynne Shotwell has “terminated a number of employees involved,” citing concerns over “overreaching activism.”

    “The letter, solicitations and general process made employees feel uncomfortable, intimidated and bullied, and/or angry because the letter pressured them to sign onto something that did not reflect their views,” Ms. Shotwell wrote. “We have too much critical work to accomplish and no need for this kind of overreaching activism.”

    In our coverage yesterday, we highlighted that employee activism was causing many companies increasing problems. While some companies are bending over backward in an effort to engage with that activism, it appears SpaceX is taking a decidedly different approach, encouraging employees to stay focused on their work.

    “Blanketing thousands of people across the company with repeated unsolicited emails and asking them to sign letters and fill out unsponsored surveys during the work day is not acceptable,” Ms. Shotwell continued.

    “Please stay focused on the SpaceX mission, and use your time to do your best work. This is how we will get to Mars.”

  • SpaceX Employees Call Elon Musk An ‘Embarrassment’ in Open Letter

    SpaceX Employees Call Elon Musk An ‘Embarrassment’ in Open Letter

    SpaceX employees have gone on the attack, calling CEO Elon Musk “a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment.”

    Musk is currently one of the most high-profile CEOs in the world, serving in the top spot Tesla, and founding both Tesla and SpaceX. In addition, Musk is in talks to purchase Twitter. With everything he’s working on, Musk is sure to draw detractors, but the latest round comes from his own employees.

    In an open letter to SpaceX executives, employees make the case that every tweet and statement made by Musk is seen and interpreted as “a de facto public statement by the company.” The employees claim that “Elon’s behavior in the public sphere is a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us, particularly in recent weeks.”

    In addition to attacking Musk specifically, the employees claim the company needs to do more to live up to its “No Asshole” and “Zero Tolerance” policies, saying that employees are experiencing uneven enforcement.

    The employees are asking to meet with company leadership within the next month to discuss their concerns and demands.

    The letter illustrates the challenges many companies and executives are facing at a time when employee activism is reaching an all-time high. Mercurial founders and successful startups often go hand-in-hand. Steve Jobs and Apple; Larry Ellison and Oracle; Zuckerberg and Facebook; and the list goes on.

    While many employees may not like Musk’s tweets, or his public persona, the argument could be made that neither SpaceX or Tesla would be where they are without him. Similarly, some see him as uniquely qualified to help turn Twitter around, with Twitter founder Jack Dorsey throwing his weight behind Musk’s bid to purchase the social media company.

    Only time will tell how SpaceX will respond to the employees’ letter.

  • Starlink IPO Still a Few Years Away

    Starlink IPO Still a Few Years Away

    Investors and employees hoping for a Starlink IPO will have to wait a while longer, with Elon Musk saying it’s still several years away.

    Starlink is the leading low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet provider. Unlike traditional satellite internet, Starlink’s LEO status allows it to offer speeds and latency comparable with traditional broadband. In fact, Starlink is already giving traditional internet companies a run for their money. Despite some being eager to see a quick IPO, according to CNBC, Musk told SpaceX employees it’s still three or four years away.

    “I’m not sure exactly when that [IPO] is, but maybe it will be like — I don’t know, just guessing — three or four years from now,” Musk said at an all-hands meeting.

    Musk reiterated his belief that Starlink needs to be “in a smooth sailing situation” with “good predictability.” Only then, “I think spinning it off as a public company can make a lot of sense,” he continued.

  • Elon Musk Wants Employees to Come to the Office Full-Time or Quit

    Elon Musk Wants Employees to Come to the Office Full-Time or Quit

    Elon Musk is throwing down the gauntlet, demanding Tesla and SpaceX employees come in to the office at least 40 hours a week or quit.

    The return to the office has been a challenging issue for many companies since the pandemic forced employees to work from home. Some companies have embraced remote work on a permanent basis, others have embraced varying degrees of hybrid work, and others are taking a hardline approach, demanding employees return to the office full-time. Count Musk in the latter category.

    Internal Tech Emails tweeted copies of the emails Musk sent to employees.

    “Anyone who wishes to do remote work must be in the office for a minimum (and I mean ‘minimum’) of 40 hours per week or depart Tesla,” Musk wrote to “ExecStaff,” with the subject line “Remote work is no longer acceptable.”

    Musk reportedly sent a similar email to SpaceX employees.

    Given how strongly many employees feel about continuing to work remotely, it’s a safe bet Tesla will be taking applications soon.

  • Elon Musk a Social Media Influencer? Tesla CEO Teases the Possibility

    Elon Musk a Social Media Influencer? Tesla CEO Teases the Possibility

    Elon Musk is well-known for his social media presence, but the Tesla CEO is teasing a full-time switch to social media influencer.

    Musk has long been a vocal Twitter user, boosting cryptocurrencies, taking jabs at rivals and discussing upcoming Tesla features. His tweets have even landed him in hot water with the SEC, but that hasn’t slowed the CEO down.

    In one of his latest tweets, Musk teases the possibility of trading in his jobs as CEO of Tesla and SpaceX for that of social media influencer.

    In all likelihood, this is just another one of Musk’s famous attempts at humor — but only time will tell.

  • SpaceX Expanding Starlink Service to the Philippines

    SpaceX Expanding Starlink Service to the Philippines

    SpaceX is expanding Starlink service to the Philippines, adding to the growing list of countries where the company provides service.

    Starlink is the constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites being deployed by SpaceX, Elon Musk’s other company. Starlink is designed to provide internet access and, thanks to its LEO satellites, its service is far superior to traditional satellite providers, even rivaling traditional broadband.

    According to Reuters, Philippine Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez says the company’s permit applications are already being processed, and SpaceX is looking for local gateway locations. Once the service goes live, it will mark a major first, with the Philippines being the first Southeast Asia country to get Starlink.

    As of time of writing, there is no confirmed timeline for launch.

  • Elon Musk Challenges Vladimir Putin to a Duel for Ukraine

    Elon Musk Challenges Vladimir Putin to a Duel for Ukraine

    Elon Musk is at it again, taking to Twitter to challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin to a duel for Ukraine.

    The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has been an outspoken supporter of Ukraine amid the Russian invasion, even sending Starlink satellite equipment to help the country stay connected to the internet. Musk has ramped up his support even more, offering to fight Putin one-on-one over Ukraine’s future.

    “I hereby challenge Владимир Путин (Vladimir Putin) to single combat

    “Stakes are Україна (Ukraine)”

    — Elon Musk (@elonmusk), March 14, 2022

    Such a hypothetical scenario would be the ultimate match-up of aged experience vs youthful(ish) health, and one Musk seems intent on.

    “Do you agree to this fight? @KremlinRussia_E”

    — Elon Musk (@elonmusk), March 14, 2022

  • Russia Refuses to Launch Starlink Rival OneWeb’s Satellites Over Sanctions

    Russia Refuses to Launch Starlink Rival OneWeb’s Satellites Over Sanctions

    Russia is refusing to launch Starlink rival OneWeb’s satellites over sanctions the UK has imposed as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    OneWeb is working to roll out its satellite internet service, in competition with SpaceX’s Starlink. Like many space endeavors, OneWeb relies on Russian rockets to ferry its payloads into space. In response to UK sanctions, Dmitry Rogozin, chief of Russian space agency Roscosmos, said the agency will not deliver OneWeb satellites to space unless the company guarantees they are non-military and the UK government relinquishes its stake in OneWeb.

    The latter condition is a non-starter for the British government, according to Kwasi Kwarteng, UK Business & Energy Secretary.

    “There’s no negotiation on OneWeb: the UK Government is not selling its share.

    “We are in touch with other shareholders to discuss next steps…”

    – Kwasi Kwarteng (@KwasiKwarteng), March 2, 2022

    In response, Rogozin tweeted he would give the UK government two days “to think about it.”

  • Raining Satellites: Solar Storm Knocks Starlink Satellites From Orbit

    Raining Satellites: Solar Storm Knocks Starlink Satellites From Orbit

    Starlink has suffered a major setback, with a solar storm knocking some 40 satellites from orbit.

    Starlink is the satellite constellation SpaceX has been deploying to provide high-speed internet access around the world. The company launched 49 new satellites last week, but a solar storm has taken out the majority of them.

    The Starlink constellation is in low-Earth orbit (LEO). This allows Starlink to deliver much faster internet performance than legacy satellite systems. It also means that any satellite that fails its system checks will quickly fall out of orbit and burn up in the atmosphere, preventing it from becoming another piece of orbiting space junk.

    Unfortunately, deploying the satellites in LEO means they are far more vulnerable to atmospheric conditions than satellites in higher orbit, as SpaceX explains:

    Unfortunately, the satellites deployed on Thursday were significantly impacted by a geomagnetic storm on Friday. These storms cause the atmosphere to warm and atmospheric density at our low deployment altitudes to increase. In fact, onboard GPS suggests the escalation speed and severity of the storm caused atmospheric drag to increase up to 50 percent higher than during previous launches. The Starlink team commanded the satellites into a safe-mode where they would fly edge-on (like a sheet of paper) to minimize drag—to effectively “take cover from the storm”—and continued to work closely with the Space Force’s 18th Space Control Squadron and LeoLabs to provide updates on the satellites based on ground radars.

    Preliminary analysis show the increased drag at the low altitudes prevented the satellites from leaving safe-mode to begin orbit raising maneuvers, and up to 40 of the satellites will reenter or already have reentered the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Starlink says the satellites pose no risk to people or terrestrial objects.

    The deorbiting satellites pose zero collision risk with other satellites and by design demise upon atmospheric reentry—meaning no orbital debris is created and no satellite parts hit the ground. This unique situation demonstrates the great lengths the Starlink team has gone to ensure the system is on the leading edge of on-orbit debris mitigation.