There is great interest in satellite Internet connection via Starlink satellites, which, due to limited network capacity, leads to a gradual slowing down of transmission speeds. SpaceX is therefore preparing to launch second-generation satellites, which should provide four times the capacity.
The second generation satellites will be produced in two sizes – while the larger V2 will be in the future to launch the Starship rocket into orbit, the smaller V2 Mini can carry the Falcon 9. The new satellites have improved, more powerful phased-array antennas and use E-band (the part of the electromagnetic spectrum above the frequencies commonly used for cellular and wireless networks) for reverse communications.
“We call them V2 Mini”
SpaceX did not specify what data transmissions the new satellites will handle, but the first generation was designed for speeds of 17 to 23 Gbps per satellite. Web Ars Technica asked SpaceX for information on the transmission speeds of the new satellites and an answer to the question of whether existing user terminals will be able to use the higher speed, but did not receive a response by Tuesday morning.
“We call them ‘V2 Mini’. They represent a step forward in Starlink capabilities.” stated SpaceX on the Twitter social network, where it added two photos of the new satellites to the post. The larger V2 satellites, which will launch when the Starship rocket is ready, will be able to transmit a signal that can also be picked up by mobile phones.
Despite the name, the V2 Mini satellites are larger and heavier than the first generation satellites, which weighed approximately 295 kilograms. Starlink V2 Mini satellites weigh about 798 kilograms, which is almost three times more than the older version. They’re also bigger—their bodies are more than 16 feet (4.1 meters) wide, so they take up more of the Falcon 9’s payload bay at launch.
Larger satellites have both advantages and disadvantages
Larger satellites mean that coverage will be needed to expand three times more Falcon 9 rocket launches. However, in the covered areas, it will be possible to serve several times more customers or provide much more bandwidth to the same number of customers due to higher performance.
For the second generation satellites to have a noticeable impact on broadband speeds, it will likely be necessary to wait for a sufficient number of satellites to be launched. Starlink currently has nearly 3,700 first-generation satellites in orbit, but the network is at capacity, and in much of the US, interested parties must sign up for a waiting list.
V2 Mini satellites are also equipped Argon powered Hall engine, which SpaceX says is a cheaper alternative to the xenon fuel commonly used for satellite propulsion systems. It will be “the first time ever that an argon Hall engine will be operated in space”the company claims.
