BroadbandLEO

Starlink V2 Minis Experience Issues

Starlink’s V2 satellites are having some issues. On Tuesday, Elon tweeted an explanation for observations that some of the V2 Minis launched last month have changed the altitude and eccentricity of their orbits:

The new technologies: The Starlink V2 Minis are essentially trial runs for technology that will fly on the much larger final V2 fleet of satellites. They come equipped with updated phased array antennas that provide about four times as much capacity per satellite as the first version of Starlink, as well as shiny new argon-powered electric thrusters. 

Musk didn’t specify which new tech on the V2 minis is failing.
Pausing launches: SpaceX had two additional V2 launches scheduled this month. Now, though, the company will pivot to launching more V1.5 satellites on those Falcon 9 flights while it works through the issues with V2.

Related Stories
BroadbandBusinessCislunar

Q3 Earnings Roundup: AST SpaceMobile, Terran Orbital, Intuitive Machines, Momentus

We’re deep into earnings season, and the space SPACs have been reporting all week. Here’s our roundup of the highlights.

CivilISSLEO

ESA Inks a Starlab Partnership

ESA is exploring its options for life after the ISS. 

BroadbandBusiness

Delta and Hughes Partner on IFC

Delta is tapping into satellite internet. 

BroadbandBusiness

Amazon Argues to Reduce LEO Regulations

Amazon is teaming up with a handful of leading think tanks to launch the Alliance for Satellite Broadband, a coalition aiming to broaden global satellite internet access. The group was just announced yesterday, but it already has its first task: pushing regulators to update decades-old limits on signal interference between different orbits.  EPFD 101: Equivalent […]