Chapter 1: The Ambitious Project of Starlink

Elon Musk's Starlink is poised to become one of the most significant space projects ever undertaken. Whether viewed positively or negatively, the Starlink satellite network's combined mass will eclipse any earlier space ventures. This extensive system aims to deliver worldwide satellite internet access and is expected to weigh more than any previous space initiative. The constellation comprises thousands of small, mass-produced satellites positioned in low Earth orbit, contributing to a rapidly increasing total mass. Each Falcon 9 launch accommodates up to sixty Starlink satellites, perfectly fitting within the size and weight constraints of the rocket.

On November 11 at 9:56 a.m. EST (14:56 UTC), SpaceX successfully deployed 60 Starlink satellites from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Credit: SpaceX.

In 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized SpaceX to launch up to 4,425 low-Earth-orbit satellites across various altitudes ranging from 1,110 km to 1,325 km. The following year, the FCC adjusted the license to lower the orbital altitude for 1,584 of those satellites, enhancing Starlink's speed by reducing latency. Notably, the initial Starlink network will nearly equal the mass of the International Space Station (ISS).

A brief analysis reveals that other companies intending to deploy large satellite constellations are falling behind SpaceX in terms of both mass and quantity. OneWeb's ambitious plan for a 1,980 satellite network faces uncertainty due to the company's bankruptcy issues. Similarly, Amazon's 3,236-satellite constellation and Telesat's 300-satellite network are still in the planning stages. Elon Musk has indicated intentions to expand Starlink's reach to approximately 12,000 satellites in orbit.

A satellite constellation consists of multiple artificial satellites working together as a cohesive system, providing either global or near-global coverage. Unlike individual satellites, constellations ensure that at least one satellite is available to provide coverage at any time across the globe. These satellites are typically arranged in complementary orbital planes and are connected to a network of ground stations. Furthermore, Starlink incorporates inter-satellite communication capabilities.

Chapter 2: Starlink vs. The International Space Station

The Starlink project already boasts a mass equivalent to a quarter of that of the ISS, despite having only 10% of its initial satellite constellation in orbit. According to Guinness World Records, the ISS stands as the largest human-made structure in space, with an orbital mass of approximately 419,725 kg. The ISS orbits the Earth every 91 minutes and maintains an altitude ranging from 360 km to 347 km above the planet.

It would take around 27 Falcon 9 rockets to place a comparable mass into orbit. However, launching the ISS required significantly more fuel and rockets than simply reaching orbit, with the exact number depending on various factors. To establish its communication network, SpaceX anticipates a minimum of 73 launches, although this number could rise to between 90 and 100 to complete the initial Starlink constellation.

Starlink's mass in orbit is expected to surpass that of the ISS even before the project reaches completion. This substantial mass in space indicates that Starlink will significantly outclass other orbital networks. While the ISS currently holds the title of the largest human-made object in orbit, Starlink's mass will exceed it.

Comparing Starlink to other satellite networks, such as GPS, highlights its dominance. The Global Positioning System (GPS), one of the oldest satellite networks, was initiated in the 1970s and has launched over 70 satellites, totaling more than 130,000 kg. With additional Falcon 9 launches, Starlink's total mass will soon surpass that of the entire GPS network.

Planet Labs operates in a different sector of the space market, focusing on providing high-frequency Earth observation data with standardized small satellites. Since its inception in 2010, Planet Labs has launched around 300 satellites, utilizing a similar approach to that of SpaceX with smaller satellites. Their 3U CubeSats weigh only 5 kg and include advanced imaging technology, offering resolution capabilities between 3 to 5 meters.

For more insights into small satellites, refer to the following link: