Starlink Aviation: SpaceX unveils satellite Internet for aircraft

On initial test flights, SpaceX tried out a new service for satellite Internet on airplanes in September, which was scheduled to launch in October. It has since been determined that SpaceX’s service will go by the name Starlink Aviation and will enable speeds of up to 350 Mbps on flights.

Starlink Aviation launches

With Starlink Aviation, SpaceX is launching a service for high-speed Internet connections on board aircraft. Transmission speeds of up to 350 MBit per second are realized via satellite Internet.

During test flights aboard aircraft operated by JSX Air and Hawaiian Airlines between Burbank and San Jose in the U.S., a maximum of 100 Mbit/s was recently achieved. The speeds and latencies could therefore be significantly improved again most recently.

Latency is said to be only 20 ms, which means that all passengers can use video chats, online games and other activities at high data rates – and even at the same time, the manufacturer promises.

Via the Starlink satellite network, of course, the company aims to benefit from the world’s largest coverage, offering constant Internet connectivity over land, over sea and even in polar regions.

• Read more: Project Kuiper: Satellite Internet from Amazon gets launch date

The Technology Behind

Starlink Aviation uses a low-profile aeroterminal that has an electronically controlled phased array antenna. This barely protrudes above the top of an aircraft and is said to be particularly easy to install. At the same time, the module should be able to be combined with other routine maintenance to minimize downtime, it is promised.

About $150,000 is due for the kit, which includes the aeroterminal, power supply, 2 wireless access points and all necessary wiring harnesses. However, costs for installation and monthly service fees are still to be added.

These range, according to a report from Golem.de, from $12,500 to $25,000. The hardware for Starlink Aviation is scheduled for delivery to airlines starting in mid-2023, though contracts for in-flight satellite Internet are said to be available now.

Reservations are already possible via the homepage for a deposit of $5,000. The contracts include rates with unlimited data volume and are to be designed for the short term and include a guarantee as long as airlines subscribe to the service.