A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to launch the second batch of 60 satellites for SpaceX’s planned Starlink broadband network today. The Starling project will see a constellation of high performance satellites developed at low cost provide the basis for a new space -ased internet communication system. But, one of the 60 planned satellites may not reach its intended place in the constellation if it fails to ”orbit raise” (launch at intended trajectory).
If the satellite fails to do so “100% of its components” will burn up in the atmosphere.
If the project continues, as SpaceX plans, the constellation of satellites will consist of thousands of small satellites working in combination with ground receivers.
SpaceX is aiming to provide internet connectivity to more remote areas of the planet as well as more generally improve internet services in built up urban areas.
Tweeting in March, Elon Musk has said the company will need to launch four more times after today before the planet can expect minor coverage, and 10 more times before it can reach moderate levels.
The CEO has even speculated the array will act as early version of the one he plans to use on SpaceX’s future Mars missions.
The launch today will contain the project’s heaviest payload to date and be the first Falcon 9 to have fly a fourth mission.
Despite the promises, not everyone is as keen on the idea as Mr Musk with some criticism coming in particular from the astronomical community.
Some of the astronomers claim that the number of visible satellites will outnumber visible stars and could severely impact Earth’s ability to observe them.
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Current satellites at the rate of normal orbital decay are estimated to clutter our orbit for thousands of years.
The news of the launch comes as Mr Musk teased that one of his company’s massive starship rockets will launch cost just one percent of its NASA equivalents.
Speaking at the US space Pitch Day, a two-day event for non-traditional startups and businesses to talk to the military, the SpaceX CEO said his launch will cost just a fraction of the Government funded space agency.
“If you consider operational costs, maybe it’ll be like $2million (£1.5million).
“This is much less than even a tiny rocket, so it’s something that needs to be made.”
To put that figure in perspective NASA on average spends $152million (£118million) per launch, meaning if Musk is to be believed his launches will cost just 1.3 percent of NASA’s costs.
Mr Musk is planning with SpaceX to send the gigantic starship rocket to space along with up to 100 passengers very soon.
However, despite these large ambitions and the major costs saved through the development of rocket reusability, the launch of SpaceX’s much smaller rocket Falcon 9 still cost $62million (£48million) – well above his current claims.
The figure has led many to question the credibility of the claim.
Mr Musk admitted in an interview that he does “zero market research whatsoever”, leading some to wonder if he made up the figure on the spot.