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How SpaceX Could Win The Space Race | CNBC Marathon

CNBC・43 minutes read

StarLink is a global Internet satellite network with over 145,000 customers, aiming to provide high-speed broadband Internet globally through an interconnected network of satellites, while facing challenges such as initial connectivity issues and concerns from astronomers about satellite brightness. SpaceX, the company behind StarLink, is developing technologies to improve satellite performance and reduce interference, with plans to expand services globally, demonstrating potential for global reach and financial growth.

Insights

  • StarLink, a satellite Internet service by SpaceX, offers high-speed broadband globally with no data caps or contracts, serving various regions with user-friendly equipment and plans for significant expansion, potentially surpassing SpaceX's current revenue source in the future.
  • SpaceX's Starship, a key component for Mars colonization, faces challenges in Raptor engine production and regulatory hurdles, with the company's focus on aiding Ukraine possibly delaying its development; meanwhile, Firefly Aerospace, a potential competitor, is resurrected with significant funding, aiming to dominate the small satellite launch market with innovative technology and ambitious plans for expansion.

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Recent questions

  • What is StarLink and its primary goal?

    StarLink is a global Internet satellite network created by SpaceX to provide high-speed broadband access worldwide through an interconnected network of satellites. The primary aim of StarLink is to offer reliable Internet service to underserved areas and remote regions where traditional Internet infrastructure is limited or unavailable.

  • How does StarLink's pricing structure work?

    StarLink customers pay $499 for the necessary hardware and $99 per month for the service. There are no data caps or long-term contracts associated with StarLink, providing users with flexibility and transparency in their Internet usage.

  • What are the key features of StarLink satellites?

    StarLink satellites are smaller and positioned closer to Earth compared to traditional Internet satellites. This design choice helps reduce latency and improve overall Internet speeds for users. Additionally, SpaceX is developing inter-satellite links to enhance StarLink's speed and efficiency while minimizing the need for extensive ground infrastructure.

  • What are some challenges faced by StarLink?

    StarLink has encountered initial connectivity issues and concerns from astronomers regarding the brightness of its satellites. To address these challenges, SpaceX has implemented measures such as developing sun visors to reduce satellite brightness and changing satellite orientation to minimize sunlight reflection to Earth. Additionally, SpaceX is working on deorbiting satellites at the end of their life cycle to prevent space debris.

  • How does SpaceX plan to expand StarLink's reach?

    SpaceX aims to launch a total of 42,000 satellites for the StarLink constellation to achieve global operational service. The company is working towards increasing the number of satellites launched per mission, with the goal of launching 400 satellites at a time using the Starship rocket. This expansion plan demonstrates SpaceX's commitment to providing global Internet coverage through the StarLink network.

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Summary

00:00

"StarLink: Global Broadband Internet via Satellites"

  • StarLink aims to provide high-speed broadband Internet globally through an interconnected network of satellites.
  • StarLink currently serves select customers in the northern U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, and New Zealand.
  • Customers pay $499 for hardware and $99 per month for StarLink service, with no data caps or contracts.
  • SpaceX plans to deploy 4425 satellites by 2024 and has requested permission for an additional 30,000 satellites.
  • StarLink satellites are smaller and closer to Earth than traditional Internet satellites, reducing latency.
  • StarLink speeds average around 75 megabits per second for downloads and 12 megabits per second for uploads.
  • SpaceX is developing inter-satellite links to double StarLink's speed and reduce infrastructure needs.
  • StarLink's user-friendly equipment includes a dish with a heating element and motorized orientation.
  • SpaceX's investment in StarLink is crucial for funding Elon Musk's vision of colonizing Mars.
  • StarLink faces challenges such as initial connectivity issues and concerns from astronomers about satellite brightness.

12:54

SpaceX's StarLink Satellites: Brightness, Interference, Future

  • Image from telescope in Chile in Nov 2019 shows light trails of 19 StarLink satellites, causing distortion.
  • Some image processing tools can remove trails, but not completely effective.
  • SpaceX contacted by various organizations to address satellite interference issue.
  • SpaceX developed sun visors to reduce brightness of satellites' solar panels.
  • Satellites' orientation changed to minimize sunlight reflection to Earth.
  • Concerns raised by radio astronomers about interference from Internet satellites.
  • SpaceX plans to deorbit satellites at end of life to prevent space debris.
  • Lack of enforceable laws for satellite deorbiting, raising concerns about space debris.
  • SpaceX considering spinning off StarLink into separate company for financial benefits.
  • Competition in satellite Internet sector increasing, with Amazon, OneWeb, and Telesat entering the market.
  • Starship, SpaceX's largest reusable rocket, aims to make life multi-planetary by reaching Mars.
  • Starship's massive size and power compared to Saturn V rocket used for Apollo missions.
  • Starship designed for full reusability to lower costs and improve environmental impact.
  • SpaceX's revenue primarily from launch business, but StarLink expected to surpass it in the future.
  • StarLink, a global Internet satellite network, currently has over 145,000 customers.
  • SpaceX aims to launch 42,000 satellites for StarLink constellation.
  • StarLink service expanded to Ukraine, showing potential for global reach.
  • SpaceX's focus on aiding Ukraine may delay Starship development.
  • Starship crucial for SpaceX's future success and potential trillion-dollar valuation.

26:33

SpaceX's StarLink Satellite Challenges and Progress

  • SpaceX needs a certain number of StarLink satellites in orbit to achieve global operational service.
  • Currently, Falcon 9 can carry 50 to 60 StarLink satellites, but the goal is for Starship to launch 400 at a time.
  • SpaceX is facing challenges with Raptor engine production, with a risk of bankruptcy mentioned by Musk.
  • Progress is being made in Raptor 2 production, aiming for a daily production rate and addressing melting issues.
  • Rocket engine design involves high pressures and temperatures, with SpaceX using methane for its Raptor 2 engines.
  • Methane runs hotter than kerosene, but SpaceX has developed special alloys to handle this.
  • SpaceX's Starbase in Texas has faced mixed reactions, with concerns about displacing communities and wildlife.
  • Starship has had successful launches but also lost prototypes during landing attempts.
  • Regulatory challenges, like obtaining an environmental assessment for orbital flight tests, are being faced by Starship.
  • Firefly, a startup aiming to be a dominant launch provider for small satellites, has faced bankruptcy but secured new funding.

40:08

Firefly Aerospace: Resurrected, Funded, and Innovating

  • Firefly Aerospace was resurrected by Noosphere Ventures, funded by Ukrainian investor Max Polyakov, with Tom Mark Cusick reinstated as CEO.
  • Noosphere funded Firefly with $200 million for its seed round, leading to viable technology development.
  • Firefly raised an additional $175 million this year, with a better business, technology, and funding plan than its predecessor.
  • Firefly's Alpha launch vehicle is a two-stage expendable rocket, the world's largest all carbon fiber composite rocket, carrying up to 1000 kilograms to low-Earth orbit at $15 per launch.
  • Firefly spent about four years from design to flight preparation, with a team of 500 people from various engineering disciplines.
  • Firefly's Reaver engine undergoes rigorous testing for propellant optimization and quality assurance.
  • Firefly simulates launch conditions on its TSU stand for testing rocket stages before final integration and hot fire tests.
  • Firefly aims to conduct its next flight in early 2022, with plans to launch the Alpha Rocket in 2023 using SpaceX Falcon nine rocket.
  • Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander aims to fulfill NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services mission, with potential revenue generation of $150 million.
  • Firefly is developing a Space Utility Vehicle and competing in the small to medium launch market, aiming to launch 24 rockets in 2024.

54:39

"Company plans to revolutionize aerospace marketplace"

  • The company aims to quickly master the learning curve to enable repeatable builds, with plans to provide engine technology to launch company Astra, offering up to 50 Reaver engines for their rockets and future projects.
  • They envision creating an e-commerce marketplace for aerospace components like rocket engines and valves, foreseeing Firefly components on various missions in the future, despite acknowledging the industry's challenges and the likelihood of consolidation among launcher companies.
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