SpaceX is requesting regulatory approval to connect Starlink to moving vehicles—trucks, cars, boats and planes. 

Earth Stations in Motion

The long-term goal of the company is to launch thousands of satellites to deliver fast internet connection up to underserved, remote regions. Filing an authorisation request last Friday, a blanket license authorizing operation, to set up Starlink terminals on vehicles means SpaceX’s plan to extend satellite broadband services to different households worldwide doesn't end there. 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing states, “Granting this application would serve the public interest by authorizing a new class of ground-based components for SpaceX’s satellite system that will expand the range of broadband capabilities available to moving vehicles throughout the United States and to moving vessels and aircraft worldwide… The volume of traffic flowing over the world’s networks has exploded… No longer are users willing to forego connectivity while on the move, whether driving a truck across the country, moving a freighter from Europe to a U.S. port, or while on a domestic or international flight.”

Aside from homes, the space internet will also be targeting moving vessels on Earth, which the company calls Earth Stations in Motion.

Initial assumptions suggest they might use Starlink for Tesla cars, but Elon Musk said in a statement:

“Not connecting Tesla cars to Starlink, as our terminal is much too big. This is for aircraft, ships, large trucks & RVs.”

When will Starlink become available for the cars in Australia?

Car owners and small vehicles may have to wait as SpaceX’s plan is mainly for big trucks, RVs, big aircrafts and ships. Besides, regardless of whether the approval is granted or not, there is a separate authorisation that needs to be approved here in Australia. 

Nobody is even certain when Starlink will begin its actual rollout in the country. Only one thing’s for sure, a brighter starry night sky is bound to happen.