Starlink can't serve Tonga - yet
The recent vulcanic eruption in Tonga has exposed the limitations of the current Starlink v1.0 satellites without laser link. These satellites can only bounce signal from back from earth. That means it always needs to talk to a base station and the customer terminals.
The volcano has damaged the communications cable connection to Tonga. Because SpaceX has sent terminals for desaster relief in the past, many people assumed it could be done for Tonga as well. Unfortunately it is so remote that no other ground station is close enough to make a connection work.
Elon offered that there could be an option with a relay ship somewhere between Tonga and New Zealand or Australia, but he would prefer if other solutions could be found.
Ellie in Space: Will SpaceX's Starlink help the people of Tonga?
This launch is the 7th of 49 generation v1.5 Starlink satellites which are equipped with laser links.
Starlink 4-7
SpaceX is launching 49 additional Satellites for their own Starlink Constellation.
This is the seventh batch of satellites for the 4th layer of the constellation. Shell 4 is in a 540km circular low-Earth orbit. These satellites are equiped with laser links installed.
The booster is a Block 5 and will land on a drone ship. This is the first time a booster will be reflown for the 6th time.
The mission to low earth orbit will launch from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
Weather is 90% go according to the 45th Weather Squadron.
Cargo:
- Payload mass is approximately 14,5 tonnes
- 49 Starlink Satellites
Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com
Where to watch:
- 15 minutes before launch: SpaceX Livestream
Background information about previous SpaceX launches: Wikipedia
Scott Manley: SpaceX's 'Wet' Fleet 2021
Why SpaceX is Making Starlink - Real Engineering: Youtube
Ellie in Space: Does SpaceX's Starlink have a first mover advantage against competitors like Amazon?
MikeOnSpace: OFFICIAL Starlink SPEED TEST results and SPACE LASERS - details on the Private Beta and Public Beta
Mark Handley: Using ground relays with Starlink
MikeOnSpace: Amazon KUIPER vs SpaceX STARLINK - Another heavyweight enters the race for Global Satellite Internet
Ben Sullins: Starlink Could Change EVERYTHING!
LTT: Gaming on STARLINK!!
Now You Know: We Test Elon’s $99 Mobile Internet | In Depth
Mediocre Coffee: Starlink vs. Telus: My Experience in Rural Alberta
Scott Manley: Graveyard Orbits Where Old Satellites Are Forgotten
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
TMRO: YouTube
Track Starlink satellites: https://satellitemap.space/
Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Starlink