In a smallsat constellation panel, SpaceX’s Jonathan Hofeller says the company is building “close to 8” Starlink satellites a day at its Redmond, Wash., facility. Vertical integration has cut the cost of its user terminal by 2/3rds from the original version. #SATShow
He reiterates past comments that SpaceX has talked with GEO operators about offering Starlink satellites for a hybrid network but haven’t found an approach that works.
Telecast’s Erwin Hudson: been hit by the same supply chain issues others have felt. Now expect first launch of LEO sats in 2025 and beginning service in 2026. #SATShow
OneWeb’s Ruth Pritchard-Kelly declines to give additional details about its launch contract with SpaceX launched less than an hour ago. (The announcement did not disclose the number of launches, contact value, etc.) #SATShow
Pritchard-Kelly notes Amazon (not on the panel) was a late entrant to the market, but that its decision to get into the LEO broadband field shows to many that “this is a real business.” #SATShow
Hofeller: incentive structure for supporting broadband is incorrect; it’s paying for infrastructure rather than paying for results. Should be focused on supporting the end user. #SATShow
Viasat’s Dixon on providing services in the Ukraine conflict: not going to go into details, because “we’re not going to make publicity out of a conflict.” But then talks about providing connectivity for refugees in Slovakia. #SATShow
(SpaceX’s Hofeller didn’t comment on Starlink usage in Ukraine or any reports of jamming or other disruptions.)
Hofeller, on connectivity for airplanes: expectations have changed faster than technology. Have developed Starlink antenna for aircraft and going through the certification process on various aircraft. #satshow
Hofeller: we have 250,000 subscribers across all markets (consumer, enterprise, etc.) V1 of Starlink is sustainable, but V2 will much more profitable. #satshow
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