PART 1

ABOUT STARLINK SATELLITE

                       Internet from space for humans on Earth. Engineered by @SpaceX

Starlink is the name of a satellite network developed by the private spaceflight company SpaceX to provide low-cost internet to remote locations.  A Starlink satellite has a lifespan of approximately five years and SpaceX eventually hopes to have as many as 42,000 satellites in this so-called mega constellation. The current version of each Starlink satellite weighs approximately 573 lbs. (260 kilograms), according to Spaceflight Now.

LOW EARTH orbit ~99 to 1200 miles above the Earth’s surface

Starlink satellites orbit approximately 342 miles (550 kilometers) above Earth and put on a spectacular show for observers as they move across the sky. This show is not welcomed by all and can significantly hinder both optical and radio astronomical observations. The size and scale of the Starlink project concerns astronomers, who fear that the bright, orbiting objects will interfere with observations of the universe, as well as spaceflight safety experts who now see Starlink as the number one source of collision hazard in Earth’s orbit. In addition to that, some scientists worry that the amount of metal that will be burning up in Earth’s atmosphere as old satellites are deorbited could trigger unpredictable changes to the planet’s climate. 

“Starlink is ideally suited for areas where connectivity has been unreliable or completely unavailable,” the Starlink main page states. “People across the globe are using Starlink to gain access to education, health services and even communications support during natural disasters.” It provides access to the internet for residents of areas that are poorly served by the fixed and mobile networks of telecom operators. Thousands of small satellites circulating in low earth orbit — mainly 342 miles (550km) above Earth — enable the service.

The most recent recognition for STARLINK communication:

Three weeks before the Titan submersible mission (06/18/23), the Ocean Gate company recognized Starlink’s role/existence, as the service helped the Ocean Gate company for its exploration operations in the middle of the Atlantic ocean.

The Ocean Gate Expeditions Twitter account wrote: “Despite being in the middle of the North Atlantic, we have the internet connection we need to make our #Titanic dive operations a success – thank you @Starlink!”

So far, Space X Starlink provided services to international distress calls and was asked to provide help for the following:

1. Space X company have supplied Starlink terminals to volcano-hit Tonga.  (Tonga is in the southern Pacific Ocean, and Starlink provided internet access to this isolated and remote villages during volcanic eruption).
2. To Ukraine after the Russian invasion. This allowed Ukrainians to independently access to the internet and enable the country to keep in touch with the outside world. The system is used particularly in remote areas as well as places that Russia has bombed.
3. To Ocean Gate company for communication in the middle of Atlantic ocean.
4. Also, help from Starlink was sought during ‘women’s veil’ crisis in Iran (date: September 21/22)
5. Also, Help from Starling was sought in Turkey, which was hit by a deadly earthquake on Feb. 5/23.

REFERENCE: https://twitter.com/OceanGateExped/status/1664306619608449026?s=20