Starlink, a project by SpaceX, has achieved an important goal by passing tests with the U.S. Air Force in the Arctic. This means that Starlink’s satellite-based internet service works well in the remote Arctic region. The tests lasted for 9 months, and they faced challenges like strong winds and freezing temperatures.
Brian Beal, an engineer with the Air Force Research Laboratory, shared, “We tested in some very high winds and very cold temperatures. That all went smoothly, though. Once we got the terminals mounted securely to withstand high winds, they worked great with no issues.”
The Arctic has always been a tricky place for communication because it’s so far away and isolated. While the military uses satellites for communication, it has been difficult in the Arctic. Starlink aims to solve this problem by providing reliable communication and internet access to this vast and remote area.
Beal highlighted the potential benefits, saying, “You can imagine an Army, Air Force, or Navy unit deployed to a remote location that doesn’t have the cell-phone service niceties and very quickly have communications at high rates that an airman can set up in 10 minutes–that’s a great capability to have.”
Currently, Starlink has a network of over 5,000 low-orbit satellites, making it the most ambitious global communication plan. The goal is to deploy around 12,000 satellites, possibly even reaching 42,000. This initiative aims to offer internet services to underserved areas like the Arctic.
While Starlink is available for anyone to sign up, it might not be as fast as traditional providers like Verizon Fios or Xfinity. However, if these providers don’t cover your area, Starlink becomes a viable option. All you need to do is sign up and install a satellite dish on your property.
According to Andrew Tropeano, a technology expert with NWT Media, “These Air Force tests in the Arctic prove that Starlink is a key tool in remote military operations. This will pave the way for a further strengthening of the SpaceX and U.S. military partnership.
