The multibillion-dollar SpaceX satellite network project created by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk was created in 2015 to provide cheap global internet to people around the world in an accessible manner. SpaceX is trademarking the name Starlink as the name for SpaceX internet.
The origin of Starlink comes from the US Patent and Trademark Office on August 21st as a trademark filing. The company wants to trademark SpaceX internet as Starlink to capture their motive for a wireless broadband communication services, high-speed wireless Internet access, telecommunications gateway services, and other various areas related to the satellite communication network.
The estimated budget towards the network project is going to cost up to $10 billion to even get started. Though the investment is large, Elon Musk sees this opportunity as a special type of revenue for the future once it is completed. As broadcasted by the Satellite Industry Association report, the satellite industry is at an estimated value at about $260 billion in 2016 and the launch services are totaled to $5.5 billion. This data further cements their advantage in pursuing the satellite network project.
Upon entering the satellite industry, Elon Musk seems to have an advantage with SpaceX. The reusable Falcon 9 rocket and future Falcon Heavy vehicle seems to be dominating the journey to orbit. SpaceX takes up all responsibilities and approaches to nearly all aspects of design and manufacturing by what’s known as a “vertically integrated approach”. In an effort to doing this, their project is at a lower-cost to launch compared to others entering the industry.
Elon Musk’s known scheme in doing the impossible with SpaceX and Tesla is coming into contact with his satellite network. The vision with this network is a revolutionary act, in their efforts to build internet access to underdeveloped grounds with difficulties in acquiring modern communications infrastructure. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has been coordinating with the Federal Communications Commission to bring a satellite constellation to space for a better reach and expansion of internet access. Representatives from the SpaceX satellite network project met with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in March to explore that venture deeper.
There are attempts from other companies to expand internet to more people around the world. A Virginia-based internet venture called OneWeb is racing to have an operational network. After securing another $1.2 billion in investment, they are planning on building satellites for SES, one of the world’s largest satellite operators, while organizing a medium-sized orbit network.
Their schedule is planned to launch sometime in 2019 and will continue through 2024, while SpaceX promises to regularly update their network to meet customer demand. Elon Musk is assumed to announce more on the the project when he speaks at the International Astronautical Congress in Australia. Expanding access to better communication with SpaceX internet is a step closer to a better world.
