Starlink Mini Dish Coming Soon

SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is gearing up to release a smaller version of its user satellite dish. Recent firmware updates analyzed by an engineer suggest the miniaturized dish could be launched soon.

Engineer finds clue to upcoming release

Oleg Kutkov, an embedded systems engineer in Ukraine, found references on April 30 to a “Starlink mini" dish in the latest firmware release for the company’s hardware. The mention of a “mini1_prod1" item means that  the compact model is production-ready and may be released in the near future.

According to Kutkov, the upcoming mini dish seems to have a more streamlined design compared to Starlink’s current offerings. In September, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved SpaceX’s application to operate the smaller satellite dishes. Later, CEO Elon Musk told employees in a speech in January that a dish “that can fit in a backpack" would be introduced later this year.

Mini Dish will be portable

The application revealed that the Starlink Mini Dish will be approximately 10 inches by 11 inches. The current Starlink consumer dish is 12 by 20 inches, a size more difficult to carry around for travelers.

There will also be a miniature version of the Starlink high-performance satellite dish. That mini high-performance dish will be 15 inches by 22 inches, making it smaller than the current top-end dish which is 20 by 23 inches.

New connection to LEO satellites

Starlink has quickly gained popularity since its launch due to its approach to providing high-speed internet access via a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Unlike traditional satellite internet services that rely on a few geostationary satellites, Starlink’s network of over 4,000 LEO satellites provides lower latency and wider coverage.

Like established satellite internet companies such as Viasat, the service has the ability to bring reliable internet to rural and underserved areas. It can also provide connectivity during emergencies and natural disasters. Starlink does have more coverage around the world where previously satellite was not available, due to the difference in its satellite fleet. Starlink has also played a significant role in recent geopolitical events, such as the conflict in Ukraine, where the company has provided crucial communication links for civilians and military forces.

Starlink’s satellite service continues to raise questions

However, the technology has its drawbacks. The growing number of LEO satellites has raised concerns about their impact on astronomical observations and the potential for increased space debris. Also, the concentration of global internet access in the hands of a single private company has led to questions about the implications for privacy, censorship, and the balance of power in international relations.

The introduction of a more portable mini dish could further expand the company’s customer base, especially among those who require internet access on the go, such as RV owners, remote workers, and emergency responders.

As SpaceX moves closer to releasing the Starlink mini dish, the industry and consumers will be closely watching to see how this new offering impacts the rapidly evolving landscape of satellite internet technology.