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Elon Musk's Next Mission: Internet Satellites

Posted by Soulskill on from the next-billion dept.

An anonymous reader writes: According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Elon Musk is looking at a new project: smaller, cheaper satellites that can provide internet access for people all across the world. "Mr. Musk is working with Greg Wyler, a satellite-industry veteran and former Google Inc. executive, these people said. Mr. Wyler founded WorldVu Satellites Ltd., which controls a large block of radio spectrum. In talks with industry executives, Messrs. Musk and Wyler have discussed launching around 700 satellites, each weighing less than 250 pounds, the people said. That is about half the size of the smallest communications satellites now in commercial use. The satellite constellation would be 10 times the size of the largest current fleet, managed by Iridium Communications Inc. ... The smallest communications satellites now weigh under 500 pounds and cost several million dollars each. WorldVu hopes to bring the cost of manufacturing smaller models under $1 million, according to two people familiar with its plans."

3 of 74 comments (clear)

  1. Another Teledesic? by etudiant · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Shades of Teledesic!
    See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teledesic

    The idea is not new, the technology is probably better, especially for efficient solid state RF transmitters, success depends on the spectrum available and the money. Do note that one of the gotchas in satellite internet access is that it is not easy to for apartment dwellers to get an adequate signal, whereas rural users should rejoice, as they usually get left out by the wireline/cable providers..

  2. All very nice by fustakrakich · · Score: 4, Interesting

    But I don't relish the possibility of something like this having a kill switch. We need an internet that nobody can interfere with, independent of the current business model, we also need the same for food, shelter, energy, and transportation, so I guess I'm barking up a tree without a paddle.

    --
    “He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
  3. astronomers might not like this. by The+Grim+Reefer · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I'm sure these will be smaller than the Irridium satellites, but I have to wonder about satellite flare . Irridium satellites can ruin long exposure images. But there are only 66 of those. I have to wonder what 700 birds are going to do. Even at a much lower magnitude, they could show up in long exposure images very easily.