Starlink is developing an antenna to bring internet to customers in extreme locations

Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet division, is creating a new, more robust version of the antenna to serve customers in extreme locations, with operations in hotter or colder temperatures. An earlier version of this antenna had already been created, contemplating docking on ships, aircraft and other vehicles.

The design was revealed in documentation sent by Elon Musk's company to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the US body that regulates telecommunications services and internet offerings in the country. The company named the new format “HP” (acronym for “high performance”).

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“Compared to other user terminals that SpaceX is already authorized to deliver, HP terminals have been reinforced to continue to operate even in the most inhospitable environments so that, for example, their service offering continues in extreme heat or cold, presenting improved snow and ice melting capabilities, as well as resistance to a greater number of thermal cycles.

According to the company told PC Magazine, the expectation is that the application will be promptly approved since, in its understanding, the new design only expands the capacity of an offer that SpaceX has been offering for a long time. Technically, it is not a “new” product.

“Approving this documentation will serve the public interest by authorizing a new class of SpaceX satellite system ground components, enhancing coverage of available broadband capabilities across the United States—particularly, regions with more challenging environments, where this reinforcement is more appropriate”, says part of the order.

This is all because, according to forums dedicated to the company's products, Starlink's common antennas go through a problem known as “thermal shutdown”: the moment the temperature reaches 50º C, they start to experience service interruptions. The new design aims to eliminate this problem – although the application of the license does not specify the thermal limit of the new models.

It is worth remembering that, in no part of the order, SpaceX mentions whether the new offer will contemplate private users or if it will only be for business customers. Furthermore, the company also does not clarify whether the offer will include services already contracted or if there will be any additional charge.

It is not possible to state the forecast of availability of the new models because, as you have already noticed, their offer depends on the approval of the FCC – and the body has not been very conniving with the deadlines in relation to SpaceX.

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