OK, start at the beginning: What is Starlink, exactly?
Technically a division within SpaceX, Starlink is also the name of the spaceflight company's growing network -- or "constellation" -- of orbital satellites. The development of that network began in 2015, with the first prototype satellites launched into orbit in 2018.In the years since, SpaceX has deployed thousands of Starlink satellites into the constellation across dozens of successful launches, the most recent of which took place on April 21 and delivered another 53 satellites into low-earth orbit. That brings the total number of satellites launched to 2,388, more than 2,000 of which appear to be operational parts of the constellation.
And those satellites can connect my home to the internet?
That's the idea, yes.
Just like existing providers of satellite internet like HughesNet or Viasat, Starlink wants to sell internet access -- particularly to people in rural areas and other parts of the world who don't already have access to high-speed broadband.
SpaceX has deployed thousands of Starlink satellites into the constellation across dozens of successful launches, the most recent of which took place on April 21 and delivered another 53 satellites into low-earth orbit. That brings the total number of satellites launched to 2,388, more than 2,000 of which appear to be operational parts of the constellation.
Starlink isn't without its controversies. Members of the scientific community have raised concerns about the impact of Starlink's low-earth orbit satellites on night sky visibility.
Starlink Explained: Everything to Know About Elon Musk's Satellite Internet Venture
The billionaire SpaceX CEO is launching satellites into orbit and promising to deliver high-speed broadband internet to as many people as possible.
www.cnet.com
So:
This means there are competing interests.
Rural residents around the world have legitimate reason to want and use broadband Internet access, even where cable Internet access is not available.
The rest of us may want to see the night sky without thousands of satellites cluttering the night sky view.
Which of these competing interests deserves winning consideration over the opposing position? Those that want benefit of Internet access? Or those that want unobstructed view of the night sky?