SpaceX Gets Go-Ahead to Test 200 Next-Generation Starlink Terminal Designs

(Credit: Starlink) SpaceX is working toward large-scale deployment of its Starlink Gen 2 satellites to reduce congestion and speed up its service, but the improvements apparently extend to the ground. The FCC granted the company’s request to test new user terminals featuring improved phased array antennas. SpaceX hasn’t settled on a design, though, and will test up to 200 different dish configurations.

In its filing, SpaceX says its testing will measure the RF emission density under various conditions. However, it won’t be able to set them up just anywhere. The FCC license allows SpaceX to test the new terminals in five locations: Los Angeles; Mountain View, California; Redmond, Washington; Riverton, Wyoming; and Cape Canaveral, Florida. The FCC also stipulates that the antenna arrays cannot exceed 0.586 by 0.385 meters (23 by 15.1 inches). That puts them in the same approximate size range as current Starlink hardware, like the premium dish above.

All versions of the mysterious new Starlink dish will operate in the company’s established frequency ranges of 10.7GHz to 12.7GHz (download) and 14 to 14.5GHz (upload). Those frequency ranges are both in the Ku band. SpaceX also operates in the higher Ka-band (27-40GHz), but that’s not part of the test at this time. Among the 200 test models will be some designed for fixed locations, as well as those that can be mounted on moving vehicles.

Starlink Gen 2 satellites are the other half of the puzzle as SpaceX seeks to boost flagging speeds.

SpaceX’s stated goal is to provide gigabit internet access to its satellite internet subscribers. That would represent a huge upgrade over older satellite internet systems, which can barely eke out speeds in the tens of megabits. Starlink started off much faster than those services, with speeds around 100Mbps. However, network congestion throughout 2022 resulted in speeds dropping closer to 50Mbps by late in the year. This came as SpaceX vastly expanded the service’s coverage area and rolled out new services for RVs and boats.

In addition to the new terminals, SpaceX hopes to boost speeds by deploying 7,500 new satellites as approved by the FCC. The company launched the first part of its Gen 2 network several weeks back, but the project won’t begin in earnest until the private spaceflight firm can get the Starship megarocket up and running. That vehicle is required to launch the company’s larger Gen 2 satellites. CEO Elon Musk has been promising a Starship orbital test since mid-last year, but it may finally happen in the coming weeks.

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