LOOKING TO THE STARS

THE STARLINK SYSTEM IS REVOLUTIONISING REMOTE-AREA COMMUNICATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.

-  RON MOON

THERE'S been a lot of static and chatter on all forms of media over recent months about Starlink, Elon Musk's answer to slow web speeds and communication for the masses. The figures, for anyone interested in space, satellites and communication, are staggering. As of February 2023 the Starlink constellation of low-orbit satellites consisted of nearly 4000 space capsules providing web services and communications to 48 countries (see: www.starlink.com/map), while SpaceX, the parent mob launching the satellites, now has more than a million subscribers. When the system is fully operational there will be around 12,000 satellites buzzing around above earth with a possible later increase to 42,000!

For us mere mortals on planet Earth looking for an even better way of communicating, accessing emails, watching video news, attending Zoom meetings and making Google enquiries, plus lots more, from anywhere in Australia... and I mean anywhere... then all the hype around Starlink is a good thing.

First launched in 2018 and available in a limited way in 2019, it was only a few months ago that our whole continent got full coverage from Starlink and, just before Christmas, the price of the hardware was slashed to just $450. My son's company, Moon Tours, bought two systems, while ARB Broken Hill has three vehicles set up with Starlink. Other small operators are following suit, with a heap of private individuals opting for the system in lieu of satellite phones and the like.

Almost as incredible as the figures and stats of the Starlink system are, is the social-media responses I've been receiving from people who have the system, which are almost completely positive.