SpaceX is working on a “ruggedized” version of its Starlink dish designed to work outside cars, boats, and planes and in harsh climates.
SpaceX filed an application with the FCC on Tuesday to operate the so-called “high-performance” Starlink dish. The hardware still relies on a phased array antenna to receive the high-speed internet from SpaceX satellites in orbit.
“But these high-performance (‘HP’) models will operate with higher gain and lower transmit power (thus maintaining a consistent EIRP compared to other SpaceX Services user terminals), a higher scan angle, and features that ruggedize the unit for use in harsh environments,” the company wrote in the application.
In March, SpaceX filed another application to operate Starlink in cars, boats, and vehicles, citing the need to bring high-speed satellite internet to trucks, freighters, and international flights. But at the time, the company proposed using the same “electrically identical” Starlink dish technology. The only apparent difference would be a mount to enable the dish to fit on a moving vehicle.
The new application proposes upgrading the dishes to better withstand the environments outside the moving vehicles. “For example, it will be able to continue to operate at greater extremes of heat and cold, will have improved snow/ice melt capabilities, and will withstand a greater number of thermal cycles,” the company wrote.
The application also requests clearance for the ruggedized Starlink dishes to use the 12.2 to 12.7GHz radio spectrum. Doing so would give SpaceX greater flexibility to supply high-speed, low-latency broadband to users on the equipment.
“Granting this application would serve the public interest by authorizing a new class of ground-based component 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—and most particularly, to those in challenging environments where ruggedization is appropriate,” the company added.
A ruggedized dish would be good news for anyone worried about their Starlink dish breaking in extremely hot or cold wintry weather. But it remains unclear how much the dish would cost when the current model goes for $499.
SpaceX is calling for the FCC to grant the license as soon as possible. Other FCC applications from the company has also indicate the company is working on another next-generation Starlink dish that will use a smaller antenna than the current model.