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Week 8 [11.05 - 17.05] Elon Musk’s Starlink, the future internet

Musk speaks: public beta satellite Internet will begin in 3~6 months! This will subvert not only 5G, but also "6..7 ... 8 ... 9" G

Just this week, with the successful launch of 60 Starlink satellites, SpaceX’s Starlink has 420 satellites in orbit. According to Musk,  who is the founder of SpaceX, their mission is to replace optical fibers and provide high speed, stable and cheap internet connections to the world.


In this magnificent blueprint, 12000 such satellites are needed, but the current process is only 3.5% completed (420). However, Musk is a genius of innovation and has courage to break the routine, so with the current 420 satellites, Musk hopes that the satellite internet will allow some people to use it first in these 3 months.

What kind of crazy idea is this? Let's present the Starlink plan first. Musk’s ambitions for this plan are as large as his other projects. I also mentioned some of them in my English online course presentations last semester, such as Tesla’s unmanned vehicle, or a brain-computer interface for mind controlling.

If you haven’t heard about these technologies, then you might at least have heard that he has already sent a lot of rockets to space, and the core of this plan is that SpaceX will send 12000 satellites to the orbital plane by using the Falcon 9 recyclable rocket, and then form a satellite communications group to provide high speed broadband services to global Internet users. One group of 4425 satellites will be located at an altitude of about 1200 kilometers, while 7518 satellites will be located at an altitude of about 300 kilometers and operate at different radio frequencies. Such a huge satellite group will orbit the earth in real time, and it is said to provide broadband coverage at anytime and anywhere on earth.


We who are not physics majors may ask "What is the concept of 12000 satellites?"
The answer is "Three times the total number of satellites ever launched by mankind"!
This is really crazy! Musk risks so much with this plan because the satellite Internet returns are also great. Previously, the Wall Street Journal helped Musk calculate the postings: if everything is in accordance with the SpaceX’s Starlink plan, it is expected that the service will have more than 40 million users by 2025, and that year's revenue will reach 30 billion US dollars.

Starlink's plan is showing a distinctive Musk brand from the beginning of Starlink’s birth: Not only does he develop his big business potential, but also gives great benefits to all mankind. Now we may not have any opinion on the Internet connection, but according to the latest United Nations data, 57% of the world’s population (4.2 billion) still has no internet connection, which I also couldn’t believe until I searched for it.. And you don’t need to be worried about how much money you will need to pay in order to enjoy this benefit, because SpaceX already explained it  in its tweet:


And we all know he is a trustworthy entrepreneur, so once Starlink plans to get through, internet access costs and Internet speed will be greatly improved. Anyway, how much can internet access cost be reduced? We don't know yet, but as an alternative to optical fiber, the advantages in terms of price and cost are obvious, because as Polish-Japanese academy’s IT students, we also know this: The cost of wiring terrestrial optical cables in a complex terrain is extremely expensive. Just imagine the concept of building optical cables across thousands of kilometers of unmanned areas across Poland and Japan. What concept is it?...

In addition, if the signal goes to user via the Starlink satellites, the Internet speed can also be greatly improved, because the speed of the signal to the terrestrial optical cable is much slower than the normal light speed. In my opinion, I guess it can achieve around 1Gbps, which is around 150 times the current average internet speed.

At that time, each person will directly use the services provided by Starlink through a satellite receiver, there will no longer a middleman such as Play, T-Mobile, Orange earning the middle price difference.  This reminds me of the classic movie "American Gangster (2007)": As long as you buy products directly from suppliers, you will always make a profit and win a position even if you sell better drugs at a lower price.


(source: www.google.com)

Look at the figures above, maybe he is just like such a legendary person “Frank Lucas” in the movie “American Gangster”, who knows? Crazy people with crazy ideas, I can’t wait to see more of his future projects!

Source:
https://techcrunch.com/2018/11/15/spacex-gets-fcc-approval-to-add-7518-more-satellites-to-its-starlink-constellation/


Questions:
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?

Figure: Recent sighting came from astronomer Scott Tucker of Tucson, Arizona, who was photographing Venus on the evening of April 17, and the lines were caused by Starlink’s satellites.

(source: https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/151/590x/secondary/venus-2424237.jpg?r=1587375083489)

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink? 

Comments

1. I am not an expert but achieving unlimited connection to the internet with so many satellites sounds a little primitive to me. In my opinion we should wait for a better technology, because otherwise it might become difficult to send anything into space or make any observations.

2. Yes, why not? Why should anyone be prevented from producing space equipment and sending it to space? It is not owned by anyone and there is a free market in most countries.

3. All depends on the price and quality. If those two factors combined will be better than what we have today in terms of the internet infrastructure, starlink will definitely be worth considering. To be honest I doubt that a satellite technology will turn out to be better than optical fibre.
Karol Michalak said…
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?
If we send this many satellites it may become close to impossible to explore other planets as they will become like a space kevlar of some kind. In my opinion it is too early for something. Maybe with a better tehcnology we can send half of it?

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
Why shouldn't if he have money, knowledge and passion for it I don't see a problem.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
No idea, I would first try to learn if it is safe to have to on my balcony and maybe then decide to buy or not.
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?
The polution of the space is not a secret. We should think about the way of removing them from space. Then placing those starlinks wouldn't be such a problem as an idea of doing it will give great benefits for our planet. But still we should have a clear vision of the sky and be able to expand our knowledge in field of universe.
2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
Yes, I do not see why would it matter that his companie is private. It's just selling their products for guys who pays the most. And what is more important space-x gave us already some proof that they can do it and they can do really good.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
Rather not, because I do not have money and I'm fine with what I have right now :D Maybe after some months while beeing able to see effects of it.
Andrzej Kawiak said…
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?

I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, the internet is now the basis of communication. The negative side is that we're making a dumpster from space. There have been 60 satellites sent into orbit recently. Astronomers all over the world have watched the bright "train" of satellites travel through the sky in horror. They are afraid how this will affect astronomical observations made with the largest ground telescopes. Additionally, I am convinced that the data and content transmitted via these satellites will be eavesdropped and filtered. It seems to me that the era of the free Internet will disappear.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?

A private company will always do it cheaper and more efficiently. Everyone can see how people are managed and how easy it is to embezzle money in state-owned companies. NASA is financed by the government and there is no significant progress in the technical advancement of rocket construction. Elton, on the other hand, has built rockets whose main modules return to the ground and can be reused.


3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?

If there was an internet that would provide Elton would be fast and at a reasonable price then yes.
Interesting presentation. Answering your questions:

1. It is very difficult to answer this question. We are a developed civilization and the internet is very important to us - we just couldn't do it without the internet. On the other hand, however, this is an obstacle for space explorers, and this will translate into disturbances in space observations. Still, I think Elon should launch the other satellites.

2. Yes, a private enterprise can build rockets and other production lines, e.g. for NASA, but they must be subject to strict and rigorous controls.

3. I don't want to be a guinea pig. I think I would refrain from buying until the first reviews and tests of reliability and security appear.
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?
Yes, why not ? I am absolutely sure about the internet around the world. First - super speed internet connection in any part of the Earth, amazing. Second thing - imagine you are in the desert or somewhere in the woods, where in common situation you dont have access to internet, but now you have and can easily find a way out. And third thing wich is no more then my theory and science fiction is that someday, one this sattelite may block the asteroid wich going to Earth, so it could be kinda Earth's shield.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
Yes why not. As we know Musk's company company specializes at "space devices" and it could be cheaper and more better product then any one else could do it.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
Absolutely yes, i like to have something new espacially if it's something like next generation. To have high-speed internet, what a dream ? I would by it even the price is triple (Maybe that's because i am Musk's fan). I believe that this project will have success and i trust SpaceX company and espacially Elon Musk. I am absolutely sure that device will be high-quality and beast innovetion in the world. When that day comes, the world will never be same.
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?
I agree with Musk that we should expand our knowledge, technology and keep doing new things for future but i am not sure this is the best sollution to send 11580 satellites. Probably we should think how to improve technology instead sending more trash to space. In few year it can change a lot and I can give example not connected with space - few years ago computer was big like a room and now you have phone in pocket which can do more things.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
I think it is better solution to produce this rockets by private enterprise instead of governments. It should be cheaper and more effective solution.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
If this solution will be tested by other users and if the price won't be too high then why not.
Yubin said…
Yeeaa, I agree too, maybe we should treat it as a plan B and wait for a better technology first.
Agnieszka Duda said…
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?
It’s true that with so many satellites orbiting the Earth, it will be hard to tell a star from a satellite on a clear night sky. I also heard that the space around the Earth is already littered with space junk. It’s hard to tell if the clean-outer-space activists should start acting now.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
There are already controversies surrounding the deployment of 5G technology. Some governments don’t like the fact that Huawei is heavily involved in the process. An American enterprise deploying satellites over Russian or Chinese sky can prove even more problematic. Anyway, private foreign investment would still be more welcome than a foreign government initiative.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
As long the quality of service is better and the bandwidth increases, I don’t care how the internet is provided. All governments spy on their people so I am not afraid of the lack of privacy if I decide to use Starlink.
Yubin said…
To be honest, if I have to choose between exploring new things in the universe and high speed of the internet, I would like to choose knowing if there are any extraterrestrial beings.

1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?

I think he should do what he wants to do as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody in the process. Nobody should tell private entrepreneur what he or she should do.
2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
I don’t see a reason why not. Am I missing something?
3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
It depends on the price. Probably not though.
Yubin said…
I like your idea, it is a great idea to think about how to remove them freely first, I didn't notice about this. To be honest, I think we have to buy SSD drive for such a speed, which make us much poorer.. haha
Yubin said…
I guess the data transmitted via these satellites might be able to be prevented from being eavesdropped by the current technology. And yeaaa, I also think that Elon’s SpaceX is indeed more influential than Nasa in this field.
Yubin said…
Yeaaa, I hope one day the price of travelling to the moon or Mars will be reduced to the price of an airplane ticket within our lifetime. With my budget, I should be the user after 60% people use it, haha
Yubin said…
Thank you for your like! Anyway, I think they should send it a bit later, since most commenters think we could wait for a better alternated technology first, we have waited years from 100kb/s to 500kb/s, and then 500kb/s to 5mb/s ...... our patience has been well trained haha
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?

No! I think we should find another way, without blocking further space explorations. I think if it's possible to build something similar, without such a disaster.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?

Yes. It's shouldn't be explicit for the governments for building those things. It should be controlled in some way, but I wouldn't ban it straight away.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?

I don't think so. I am quite happy with the technology I have right now. I don't think that I need more.
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?
It’s not easy to answer this questions. For many people who don’t have access to Internet sending satellites could be a chance to be connected. In other hand observing sky would be difficult. Many astronomers looking by ground telescope discovered new stars. I think better is not to send a huge amount of satellites to space.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
I think he should do this. Musk is a brilliant man who want change the world. Sometimes a private enterprise could do something quicker and better than a government.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
I wouldn’t buy a satellite receiver to have Internet from Elon Musk. I would waiting for expert test about the safety of this solution. We know how Facebook manage our data and earn money. What about our privacy? One person would control Internet on many countries. For me it’s dangerous. I need proof that everything is secure before I will use it.
Klaudia Kozioł said…
1. I think that sending total of 12000 satellites is way too much, it will probably totally block the vision of the universe from earth in the name of what? Better internet connection? I don’t think that it is something necessary. And the whole project is for sure nut eco friendly basing on the fuel and power use.
2. If he has money for that I don’t see why not.
3. I don’t know, I would have to read more about it and its pros and cons but as for now I don't see need for that.
Aleksander said…
1. In my opinion these satellites should not be sent into space. As I appreciate a mission and ideas that stand behind it, I worry about my privacy and security. If only Americans would have a right to new internet protocol, then who would control them?
2. Yes. Elon and his SpaceX proved that a private company could beat a huge leviathans like NASA.
3. I would not. Pls see my answer in point 1.
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?
It depends how it will touch other space related reaserches and stuff. Maybe we should make a calculations if it will be worthy in next 50 years or so.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
Yes why not. Private ennterprises has more resources and could be more elastic to different situations and arent dependend to people that can not be related to the topic the organization is working in.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
Probably yes. If it would work well i would probably use it because it is already there.
Roman Burlaka said…
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?
And our modern buildings are blocking vision of nature if you're inside. It's strange point against technology progress. If we talk about astronomers, I think satelites won't be a problem for nowadays ones. Maybe if it is only your hobby, then yes, but if it is your profession - I think there are methods and tools to avoid "satelite problem".

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
Why not? No idea? So why does anyone ask? Everything is permitted until we have some disadvantages of this.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
I will wait for a bit to decide if it's worth it and then probably yes, I will buy one.
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?

I am not an expert but I beilieve that we could possibly figure out better way of doing this. F.e GPS system needs only 24 sattelites to fully operate. It's sound pretty silly to use this amount of assets.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?

Yes, free market is the solution to a lot of problems. Probably they will achive better performance of manufacturing rockets than any National institution. However it need a lot controll procedures.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?

Probably, I am geeky to such things. So I would give it a try
MichalB said…
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?

He shouldn't send them. Such compaction can cause a lot of trouble, not be successful. Sometimes you have to think how much good and how bad will bring my idea to others. Someone should tell him, man, think about it.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?

No, because you don't know who will buy them. These aren't cheap things, but even more so they aren't safe things.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?

I don't know, I'd have to think about it. I would put profits and losses at stake and make an economic decision.
Jakub Kisiała said…
1. I think that Hubble telescope is best way to looking into space. Observation from Earth surface is less efficient and when we assume that satellite with this optics can just adjust to higher orbit there is no more problems. Also from science point of view this photos contains almost same data as without disturbances. There is only a few thin lines.

2. Yes, they should have full support in domestic law. USA have built success on personal skills of citizens which they haven't been constrained. It is classical capitalistic model where people which can do everything. It could be dangerous when governments would block private research on that kind. Bringing possibility to peoples is always best way.

3. I depend on the price but I think i won't buy it. Current internet access is far more efficient then I need. Also as one mention in article, it is project addressed to area with low population density and to the poor. As far as I'm concern Warsaw does not meet this requirements.
Grzegorz Rostek said…
1. I don't really know, I'm not an expert on the subject. 12000 satellites sounds like a lot. I think that it would be better to try and develop the technology further, so that there would be less satellites to launch.

2. I think that in this case it is fine for Musk to be his own supplier. Thanks to that there should be no quality concerns.

3. Propably not at launch, i would like to wait a few weeks or months to see how the technology behaves, and only then i would make a decision if it is worth buying.
s18716 said…
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?
Very interesting question. I have never met in the media mention of this, and have not heard objections to this from the international astronomical community. I think this is not such a good thing. In general, the launch of such a large number of satellites can lead to space debris. I am not an expert in this matter, but I think so.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
In fact, I do not think that a private enterprise can do this. More precisely, I do not support the fact that a private organization does such things. If this happens around the world, it will be a new arms race, and this is not such a pleasant process. I think we need to try to do everything in the opposite direction.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
I don’t think so. Most likely, such a receiver was rather not cheap. I would most likely doubt its necessity at first, wait a little time, listen to reviews and only then take it. In general, today's Internet is fine for me.
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?
I think it could be a big loss for our opportunity to explore the space. If I can do anything whit that, I would be against it. I hope that we will find an alternative solutions to solve this dilemma.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?
I think he should do this, I am not a big fan of him, but I appreciate what is he doing and how is he doing that. I like him and support his vision. It is dangerous but I would probably trust Elon Musk rather than politicians.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?
It depends, I have to think it is a good idea to invest money in a satellite like this. I would definitely consider it.
1. It is sad that it blocked astronomer’s vision, but as human kind has built cities and destroyed natural landscapes it has come time destroy space landscape.
2. Yes, why not. I do not now law specifics but i don’t think space exploring belong to NASA only.
3. It depends on the cost and the quality of it. I might be willing to buy because of my current home internet speed is very poor. Even though i live near center of warsaw i have no fiber connection.
Filip Bartuzi said…
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?

Fascinating! I haven't thought about it yet. It sounds like a really complex decision to make. My gut feeling would be... to rent or license the Earth satellite space (but who should grant licences? United nation Organisation? USA?) That's very tricky. Licensing would make it easier law-wise to withdraw make Elon withdraw his satellites from the orbit

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?

Yes. I would let money speak for itself. If any organisation has the budget to do it I wouldn't stop it. Let free market live its own life.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?

Not as a serious investment opportunity but just a small diversification on my investment portfolio
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?

I don't think he should continue sending the rest satellites. Some time ago I was reading an article, saying that with a lot of satellites and other cosmic garbage humans could be lost the possibilities to travel to space, which I think is a big lose and these satellites aren't so necessary.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?

I think there is no problem here. You can produce rockets to travel to space and why you shouldn't be doing this. I don't think only the government should produce rocket, moreover making some competition is a great way to achieve progress.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realizes in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?

No, I don't think this a useful thing. Most of the time I spend in Warsaw, here I have a unlimited internet with good speed, I don't see any reasons to change it to something else.
Bartosz Warda said…
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?

I share this same worry in the opposite direction. Now that Elon has staked so much on the use of solar energy, he would be willing to risk further harm to his satellites through repeated missile attacks. A student of history like myself would have to consider the implications.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?

I think Elon should do it. I mean that's what he wants. He's bringing his whole vision of how humans should build stuff to this industry. And I think he should do it.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink?

The Starlink is more of a utility for inter-satellite communications, but to be honest, I would wait until we could use it for creating satellite internet. But, it's hard to judge the value of Starlink at this point.
1. In fact, Musk's Starlink dream blocked the astronomer's vision of the universe, should he keep sending the rest 11580 satellites? What do you think?  

I think that until it is not forbidden he can do whatever he wants. I think that it should be regulated but for now, I don't think it would be fair to just ban him from doing so.

2. Musk wants to create the production lines and be a supplier of rockets, do you think a private enterprise should do this?

Yes, I think that private enterprises are almost every time more efficient than state-owned, and can make complex projects cheaper, better and faster.

3. Assuming Musk's dream realises in 6 months, would you buy a satellite receiver specifically for Starlink? 

Yes, I think that I would buy it, it would resolve problems with internet connection on holidays, and especially now when I work remotely it would enable me to work from anywhere and I wouldn't be stuck at my home.

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