SpaceX has announced its near-future intention to commercialize proprietary satellite laser links.
Launch of a rocket carrying Starlink satellites. Image credit: SpaceX via Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0 license
This plan was revealed by company President Gwynne Shotwell during a conference on Tuesday.
The inter-satellite laser links, utilized by SpaceX’s extensive Starlink satellite constellation, facilitate rapid in-space communications by transmitting data at the speed of light between satellites. This technology enables the Starlink network to provide global internet coverage more efficiently, requiring fewer ground stations.
During a panel discussion at the Satellite industry conference in Washington, Shotwell mentioned that SpaceX plans to offer this technology to other satellite companies as a supplier. She highlighted the upcoming Polaris Dawn mission scheduled for this summer, which will utilize SpaceX’s Dragon space capsule for a private astronaut flight.
The decision to sell satellite components reflects a strategic move by space companies to diversify revenue streams and secure funding for ambitious projects. SpaceX, in particular, is focusing on the development and testing of its next-generation Starship rocket, aimed at achieving higher performance levels at reduced costs compared to its Falcon 9 rocket.
Commenting further on this development, Shotwell stated to Reuters that while SpaceX typically does not engage in component sales, the company sees this initiative as an opportunity to explore new avenues. Currently, SpaceX is engaged in discussions with potential customers regarding the sale of satellite laser links.
Written by Alius Noreika