SpaceX is preparing a beta test for its Starlink satellite broadband service, and Reddit users have revealed additional details and images tied to the program.
Some people who signed up to receive updates about Starlink testing received an email this week inviting them to participate in the beta and requesting address information to begin recruiting testers.
The message makes clear that Starlink is collecting addresses to recruit participants for its upcoming satellite service. What remains unclear is which countries will be included in the initial trials and how many testers SpaceX plans to recruit in each region.
Reddit members examined the Starlink website code and uncovered additional details that have not yet been officially announced.
Reddit user u/Bubby4j highlighted several points of interest. One notable finding is that the site currently lists only US states, which suggests the first beta trials may be limited to US participants.
There is code on the site for collecting payment details, accompanied by explanatory text stating:
“Charges are not a fee for the Starlink hardware or services, but are being requested exclusively to allow for the testing of our ordering and billing systems as part of this beta program. SpaceX is temporarily loaning you the hardware and providing the internet services free of charge.
The $1 will be charged 30 days after your hardware is shipped. This invitation is not transferable to any other address. By clicking the above link you are activating Starlink Services and authorize regularly scheduled charges to the payment method on file.”
A currently hidden terms and conditions page states that SpaceX will provide testers with a Starlink Kit, which includes a Starlink dish, a Wi-Fi router, a power supply, and mounting hardware.
Reddit user lgats posted an image showing the Starlink dish design:
By accepting the Starlink Kit, participants agree to test the service for roughly 30 minutes to an hour per day and to provide feedback to SpaceX. The company also warns that service may be intermittent during the beta.
“During Starlink Beta, service will be intermittent as teams work to optimize the network,” SpaceX explains in its FAQ. “When connected, your service quality will be high, but your connection will not be consistent. This means it may support streaming video with some buffering, but likely is not suitable for gaming or work purposes.”
At present, Starlink operates around 600 satellites in low Earth orbit at roughly 550 km altitude. SpaceX says that by operating in low orbit, its satellites can deliver lower latency than traditional geostationary systems and eventually provide speeds and responsiveness suitable for latency-sensitive applications such as online gaming.
We will report further updates as SpaceX releases more information about the Starlink beta program.
(Image Credit: Starlink Mission by SpaceX under CC BY-NC 2.0 license)