SpaceX has just tweeted out that the target launch for Elon Musk's Starlink is on October 1 at 9:17 am while the new target for SpaceX's GPS III-4 will be on October 2 with a 15 minute window that opens at 9:43 pm EDT.
It seems like things are getting really busy with SpaceX especially with their collaboration with Starlink. For those who don't know Elon Musk has confirmed that Starlink will later on be opening up its IPO which could indicate that Starlink is a completely separate entity from SpaceX.
Targeting Thursday, October 1 at 9:17 a.m. EDT for launch of Starlink. Due to a conflict on the Range, now targeting launch of GPS III-4 on Friday, October 2; 15-min window opens at 9:43 p.m. EDT pic.twitter.com/VVhhatjBbh — SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 30, 2020
Elon Musk's SpaceX and Starlink's relation
Although they are separate, Starlink makes use of SpaceX rockets in order to send their low-orbit satellites into space in order to provide satellite-powered internet connection to not just the United States but all across the globe.
The main goal of Starlink is to help address the lack of internet connection and the unreliability of the internet connection in certain places around the globe. Other countries like the Philippines (which reportedly has the most expensive but also very unreliable internet connection in Asia) could really benefit from the satellite connection.
The recent accomplishment of Starlink
A recent accomplishment of Starlink was securing a contract with the United States military to provide them with internet connection when the satellites have been sent into space. The Military was pleased with the concept of being able to send internet connection to the navy, the air force, and the other segments in the military that require better internet connection.
What's stopping Starlink right now from supplying internet connection around the globe is currently the lack of satellites in orbit. Although Elon Musk is trying to speed things up, the target number of satellites at 14,000 is still a huge goal to hit in comparison to the few hundreds currently in orbit.
SpaceX on the other hand is also very busy with their own projects as they are working to make more trips to the ISS and even leave a Crew Dragon there in order to smoothen the process of transportation and restocking.
What's the problem and is it serious?
The problem that both companies are facing now is that although they are both under Elon Musk, they still share the same launch sites which means that they can't just launch at the same time in some particular instances. This results in a clash in schedule which means that one has to give way.
In the recent instance, it seems like SpaceX is giving way to Starlink. Although people might question why should SpaceX give way despite owning the rockets, it is also because the importance of the SpaceX mission is slightly more complicated than sending satellites into space which SpaceX has already done before.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Urian Buenconsejo
