SpaceX planned the launch of 60 satellites into the lower orbit of the Earth of Wednesday, but the launch was delayed. The small satellites are a part of the upcoming Starlink service which promises high-speed internet access in an attempt to raise more money for the more significant initiatives of the company. The decision to delay the launch was justified by the fact that high-intensity winds were recorded at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, which is the location of the launch site.
Sixty Starlink satellites were placed on a Falcon 9 rocket. If everything goes according to plan Musk plans to increase the number to up to 12,000 satellites by 2024, to grant access to high-speed internet across the world.
The Starlink initiative plays a vital role in the quest to obtain additional funds, which could be spent on the development of an advanced rocket. This rocket will have the ability to take space tourists to the moon and pave the way towards the goal to colonize the Red Planet.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Postponed For Tonight
While the plan seems to be quite good, SpaceX will have to face stiff competition. Airbus SE and OneWeb launched satellites which offer the same functionality in February, and the two companies are already working on a solid deployment strategy. They are not the only rivals as LeoSat Enterprises and Telesat are already looking forward to the establishment of similar data relays. The motivation for such initiatives is not surprising. There are many areas where conventional internet coverage is not available due to a variety of reasons.
According to some estimation, there are at least 4 billion people who could opt for one of these services, and the market remains untapped at this point. SpaceX and the other companies are involved in a tech arms race since the company which manages to launch the first stable service will enjoy a massive advantage in comparison to late arrivals. It remains to be seen if the scheme will be successful in the long run.
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 60 “Starlink” satellites will take off today, May 16th, at 10:30 PM EDT.
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