Starlink

Tracking the Starlink constellation is one of the most requested features and I'm happy to say that there is now a special preset for it. If you don't know what Starlink is, scroll down and learn all about it!

Track Starlink

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Space is hard. Some of these answers will hopefully make it a little easier.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation being developed by SpaceX to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe. The goal is to enable internet access in remote and rural areas that have lacked connectivity.

How does Starlink work?

Starlink satellites transmit data in the Ku band and Ka band frequencies in a low earth orbit between 340km to 550km above earth. User terminals on the ground communicate with the nearest satellites floating overhead. The satellites are networked together in an orbiting mesh network to deliver continuous coverage.

How many satellites are in the Starlink constellation?

As of December 2023, SpaceX has over 6770 Starlink satellites in orbit and has launched more than 7,200 total to date.

How many Starlink satellites will there be in total?

SpaceX plans to launch 12,000 satellites into low earth orbit (LEO) by 2026. The company has requested permission to launch up to 30,000 additional satellites on top of the 12,000 already approved by the FCC.

How do you track Starlink satellites?

Starlink satellites are tracked using a combination of radar, optical telescopes, and radio telescopes, but Keep Track utilizes the ephemeris data provided by SpaceX to calculate the position of each satellite with maximum accuracy.

What are the benefits of Starlink?

Starlink offers download speeds of 100-200 Mbps and low latency that rivals cable and fiber networks. It can provide broadband internet access to rural/remote regions across the world, ships and aircrafts, and locations impacted by natural disasters.

Are there any recent upgrades to Starlink satellites?

SpaceX has introduced an upgraded satellite design, "V2 Mini," with four times the capacity of previous models. These satellites can transmit directly to cell phones and have more powerful antennas. Each weighs about 1,760 pounds and has a 100-foot solar array span. The new design is part of the Gen2 constellation, approved for up to 7,500 satellites.

How much does Starlink cost?

Costs vary by region. In the US, it's $99/month plus a one-time equipment fee of $499. Prices are expected to decrease as the service expands.

The Starlink Ground Terminal

This compact, user-friendly terminal, colloquially known as "Dishy McFlatface," connects consumers to the Starlink satellite constellation orbiting Earth. Designed for simplicity, it features an automated setup that aligns itself to the optimal position for satellite connectivity. The terminal's phased-array antenna technology allows for seamless communication with satellites passing overhead, ensuring a stable, high-speed internet connection even in remote and underserved areas.

With its sleek design and advanced technology, the Starlink Ground Terminal is not just a piece of equipment; it's a gateway to global internet coverage, reflecting SpaceX's vision of connecting the world in ways previously thought impossible.

The Starlink Satellite

This is a key part of SpaceX's Starlink project. It's designed to provide fast internet all over the world. Each satellite is small and light, about 260 kilograms, and orbits close to Earth. They have special antennas to send and receive internet signals at high speeds. These satellites also use an ion propulsion system, using a gas called krypton, to move and stay at the right height.

Their flat shape allows many to fit into a rocket, making launches cheaper. The Starlink Satellite uses advanced technology to give internet access even in faraway places. This project is important for connecting people everywhere to the internet.