SpaceX outs larger Starlink antenna to replace Dishy McFlatface as it launches 45 V2 satellites in back-to-back mission
SpaceX is delivering a new Starlink Standard Kit satellite Internet antenna of the type you can get at Best Buy to go with its new Gen 3 Wi-fi 6 router. The first batches of the upgraded set will go to "a small group of early customers in the US" who are getting it by invitation only. The new antenna that will replace the current one with the nickname Dishy McFlatface is still rectangular in shape, but is longer and potentially more powerful.
It draws 75W-100W of power, compared to the 50W-75W of its predecessor, and is easier to install as it replaces the motorized swivel with a simple kickstand. Besides being larger at 23.4 inches of height instead of the 20.2 inches of Dishy McFlatface, the new Starlink Standard Kit antenna is also water-resistant with IP67 certification. This means that it can withstand being immersed in up to 3 feet of water for up to half an hour, so no rain downpour would affect its internals.
New Starlink Standard Kit residential antenna specs
- Antenna: Electronic Phased Array Field of View 110 °
- Orientation: Software Assisted Manual Orienting
- Weight: 2.9 kg (6.4 lb), 3.2 kg (7 lb) with Kickstand
- Environmental Rating: IP67 Type 4
- Operating Temperature: -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F)
- Wind Speed Operational: 96 kph+ (60 mph+)
- Snow Melt Capability" Up to 40 mm / hour (1.5 in / hour)
- Power Consumption Average: 75 - 100 W
While the new Starlink antenna installation video suggests to just prop it with the kickstand towards a clear view of the sky, those who need to actually install it on walls, poles, or rooftops, will have various mounts available to do so.
The new more powerful Starlink antenna and Wi-fi 6 router are designed to deliver "a high performance solution for consumers that improves upon SpaceX Services' previously authorized fixed user terminal models," says the FCC filing.
The upgraded Starlink Standard Kit will be able to take the best advantage of SpaceX's new V2 satellites of which its Falcon rocket carried 23 in orbit just yesterday. In a back-to-back mission, it will take another 22 to LEO on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the second Starship rocket launch which also took place today, resulted in a "rapid unscheduled disassembly" as SpaceX calls it, meaning that its Super Heavy booster and upper section exploded before reaching the desired altitude and giving SpaceX's engineers more data to parse before a successful launch.
