SpaceX, known for its frequent launches, is equally recognized for the satellites it sends into space. The company's Starlink project is dedicated to providing global, high-speed internet coverage with a network of thousands of satellites that orbit Earth at an altitude of 342 miles. The first batch of Starlink satellites was launched in 2019 and the base of customers has since then grown rapidly. Now, Starlink is accessible in over 60 countries and all seven continents with over two million active subscribers. Brent Prokosh of Euroconsult commented that "this growth is uncharacteristic in the sense of its magnitude. Whereas prior satellite service providers have taken up to ten years to reach 500,000 to a little over a million subscribers, Starlink's subscriber base of two million was achieved in the better part of two years."
Experts believe the global consumer satellite services market, including TV, radio, and broadband internet, was worth over $92 billion in 2022. Starlink is well-placed to take a major share of that market. Starting out with the idea of providing services to consumers, Starlink has now extended its range to include enterprise clients in the maritime and aviation industries. According to Prokosh of Euroconsult, optimistically Starlink could contribute upwards of $3 billion to SpaceX by the end of 2023 - 40% of the company's total business. Starlink is particularly praised for its ability to provide internet access to remote parts of the world and areas affected by natural disasters, as well as its use in times of conflict, as experienced in the Russia-Ukraine War. Kari Bingen, Director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, states, "The main advantage of Starlink in Ukraine is the ability to communicate. It permits the military, along with civilians, to stay connected to the outside world, and allows the military to communicate with each other and to provide direction to their troops."
Critics are taking issue with Starlink's growing power, claiming that Musk is interfering with geopolitics. Furthermore, the scientific community has expressed its own concerns. Piero Benvenuti, Interim General Secretary of the International Astronomical Union, said that the initial launch of Starlink satellites caused worry, as they could obstruct optical and radio observation if the full constellation were to reach tens of thousands of satellites. To learn more about Starlink and whether it can extend its reach, watch the video.
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