SpaceX’s next Falcon 9 launch includes stage one of its satellite internet plan

SpaceX’s next Falcon 9 launch includes stage one of its satellite internet plan

6 years ago
Anonymous $v9r5mEH86V

https://techcrunch.com/2018/02/14/spacexs-next-falcon-9-launch-includes-stage-one-of-its-satellite-internet-plan/

SpaceX is launching a Falcon 9 on February 17 (should the current target date stick) and the rocket is carrying a primary payload of a Spanish satellite for client Paz. The secondary cargo on the launch is more interesting, however, since it’s two of SpaceX’s own satellites – demonstration satellites the company is putting into orbit to test its plan to offer satellite-based broadband internet communications services.

The rocket will include Microsat-2A and Microsat-2B (via TheNextWeb), small satellites with a planned useful lifetime of just 20 months. Both will contain Ku-band broadband transmitter radios, allowing them to test their ability to offer Earth-based connectivity from low-Earth orbit.