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STARLINK SATELLITE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX. It consists of thousands of satellites orbiting Earth in a low Earth orbit (LEO). Starlink satellites are designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to users around the world, even in remote areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable.

Here is a simplified overview of how Starlink satellites work:

• A Starlink user terminal (also known as a "dishy") communicates with Starlink satellites using radio waves. The dishy is a small, flat antenna that can be mounted on a roof or other elevated surface.
• The dishy uses a GPS receiver to determine its location on Earth. This information is used to point the dishy towards the nearest Starlink satellite.
• The dishy transmits and receives data to and from the satellite using a phased array antenna. This type of antenna allows the dishy to focus its beam in a specific direction, which helps to improve signal strength and reduce interference.
• The satellite relays the data to one of SpaceX's ground stations, which are located around the world. The ground stations then connect to the internet backbone and route the data to its final destination.

Starlink satellites are constantly moving, so the dishy needs to be able to track them across the sky. This is done using a built-in motor that automatically adjusts the angle of the dish as needed.

Starlink satellites are also equipped with laser communication systems, which allow them to communicate directly with each other without having to go through a ground station. This is still under development, but it has the potential to further improve the performance and reliability of the Starlink network.

Overall, Starlink is a complex system with many moving parts. However, the basic principle is simple: Starlink satellites relay data between users and the internet backbone, using a constellation of satellites in LEO to provide global coverage. 

Starlink FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Starlink:

Q:What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX. It is designed to provide high-speed internet access to people all over the world, including those in remote and underserved areas.

Q:How does Starlink work?

Starlink satellites orbit in low Earth orbit (LEO), which means they are much closer to the ground than traditional geostationary satellites. This allows for lower latency, which means that data can travel between the satellites and your Starlink dish much faster.

Q:How fast is Starlink?

Starlink is capable of providing internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps with a latency of 20-40 ms, making it faster and more responsive than traditional satellite internet services.

Q:How much does Starlink cost?

The cost of Starlink varies depending on the country and region. However, it is generally more affordable than traditional satellite internet services.

Q:How do I sign up for Starlink?

You can sign up for Starlink on the Starlink website.

Q: What do I need to use Starlink?

You will need a Starlink dish, which is about the size of a pizza box. You will also need a power source and a Wi-Fi router.

Q: How do I set up Starlink?

Setting up Starlink is relatively easy. You will need to mount the Starlink dish outside and connect it to a power source. Then, you will need to connect the Starlink dish to the Wi-Fi router using the included Ethernet cable.

Q: Can I use Starlink while traveling?

Yes, you can use Starlink while traveling, but you will need to order a portability kit from Starlink. The portability kit includes a carrying case for the Starlink dish and a tripod for mounting the dish.

Q: Is Starlink reliable?

Starlink is still under development, but it has been shown to be reliable in most cases. However, there may be occasional outages due to weather or other factors.

Q: Is Starlink safe?

Yes, Starlink is safe. The satellites are designed to deorbit and burn up in the atmosphere at the end of their lifespan, so they do not pose a long-term threat to space debris.

Q: How many Starlink satellites are in orbit

As of September 25, 2023, there are an estimated 4,519 Starlink satellites in orbit, of which 4,487 are operational.

SpaceX plans to lauch a total of 12,000 satellites for its first-generation Starlink constellation. However, the company has also filed an application with the FCC to operate up to 42,000 Starlink satellites in total.

Q:What is the availability of Starlink at my address

Head on over to starlink.com to check availibility at your address

Overall, Starlink is a promising new satellite internet service that has the potential to revolutionize the way we access the internet.

For more detailed FAQ's about Starlink in New Zealand there's great detailed information available on ruralconnect.co.nz

For further information on the Pivotal Starlink solutions - click here