Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet network. It uses thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit working with phased‑array user terminals and a global network of ground gateways. The aim is straightforward: deliver high‑speed, low‑latency connectivity where terrestrial networks are limited or unavailable. The article below outlines how Starlink started, what changed technically, key regulatory steps, and why these shifts matter now for teams that operate on the move.
Origins and early tests (2015–2019)
SpaceX outlined plans for a satellite broadband system in the mid‑2010s and built a development hub in Redmond, Washington. The first in‑orbit tests came on 22 February 2018, when two small demo satellites nicknamed Tintin A and Tintin B rode to space with Spain’s PAZ mission. Their job was to prove basic links and help refine the design.
The first operational launch followed on 23 May 2019 with a batch of 60 satellites. Regular launches then began to build out coverage. From the start, the approach combined rapid launch cadence using Falcon 9 (SpaceX’s two-stage, partially reusable orbital rocket), mass‑produced satellites, and terminals that could steer a beam electronically rather than mechanically.
Building a constellation (2020–2022)
In October 2020 Starlink opened a paid public beta (“Better Than Nothing Beta”) in parts of the United States and Canada. Service expanded as new planes of satellites went up and more gateways came online. Engineers continued to iterate on satellite hardware and software while reducing terminal cost and improving reliability in the field.
Two important technical shifts occurred in this period:
- Laser inter‑satellite links (ISLs). Satellites began to carry optical links so data could pass from satellite to satellite in space. This reduced reliance on ground backhaul, improved coverage continuity over remote regions and oceans, and lowered latency on some routes.
- Operations at scale. SpaceX leaned on re‑usable Falcon 9 boosters and a production line approach for satellites and terminals. The result was a step‑change in launch tempo and constellation growth compared with earlier systems.
Gen2 and the V2 Mini era (2022–2025)
Regulators cleared the way for Starlink’s second‑generation constellation with a partial approval that allowed deployment of several thousand Gen2 satellites. To accelerate capacity before Starship (SpaceX’s fully reusable, two stage- launch system) became operational for very large payloads, SpaceX introduced V2 Mini satellites sized for Falcon 9. These carry improved payloads and higher‑performance electric propulsion, and they added lasers as standard equipment.
As the network grew, the service portfolio widened:
- Fixed service. Residential, business and enterprise connectivity in remote and suburban areas.
- Mobility. Offerings for land, sea and air. In aviation, Starlink Aviation targets high‑throughput, low‑latency in‑flight internet with a fuselage‑mounted phased‑array terminal.
- Direct‑to‑cell. In early 2024 Starlink sent the first text messages from standard smartphones over new “direct‑to‑cell” satellites in partnership with mobile operators. Trials and early rollouts since then have focused on messaging first, with voice and data to follow.
What technical choices changed the game
- LEO architecture. Operating a few hundred to about 1,200 kilometres above Earth reduces round‑trip delay compared with geostationary satellites. This makes real‑time applications behave more smoothly.
- Laser links. Moving traffic in space helps bridge oceans and polar regions and reduces the number of ground hops, which can shave latency and add resilience.
- Phased‑array terminals. Electronically steered beams let a user stay locked onto the network while moving, without mechanical pointing hardware.
- Launch and manufacturing cadence. Reusable rockets and mass production drove the number of on‑orbit satellites from dozens to many thousands in a few years.
Today’s scale
Starlink has become the largest satellite constellation ever flown, with thousands of working satellites in orbit. New launches continue to add capacity and replace older units as they deorbit at end of life. The network spans multiple orbital shells, uses many gateways worldwide, and carries a growing share of traffic on lasers between satellites.
Why this matters for mobility and public safety aviation
For teams that operate across large, remote regions, sustained connectivity improves how timely and complete information is. LEO latency supports live coordination, secure messaging, maps and weather, and other mission software that needs a responsive link. In public safety aviation, a Starlink‑powered solution such as FlightSat helps teams coordinate with dispatch and receiving services, share plans and updates, and exchange mission‑critical, real‑time data when terrestrial networks run out. Air‑ground radio remains the certified channel for ATC; SATCOM carries IP data for operations and does not change radio procedures.
Looking ahead
Work continues on Gen2 deployment, satellite lasers, and direct‑to‑cell with mobile operator partners. On the user side, terminals will keep getting more capable and easier to install. For mobile users on land, sea and in the air, the direction of travel is clear: broader coverage, higher capacity, and a simpler experience in places where it was hard to stay connected.
If your organisation is assessing SATCOM for public safety aviation, FlightSat provides low-latency, high-throughput connectivity beyond terrestrial coverage, supporting mission-critical real-time data, secure messaging and coordination across fixed- and rotary-wing fleets. Contact us at:
FlightSat@firehawkservices.com.au
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Publication Note: AI tools were used to assist with researching, structuring and editing for clarity. All views expressed are those of the author(s).