According to the SpaceNews web resource, on October 25, 2022, Elon Musk's SpaceX company began accepting pre-orders for a flat-panel antenna for the terminals of the Starlink system, which will allow ground vehicles to use the Starlink broadband service while driving. It seems that the era of mass use of all kinds of unmanned and unmanned vehicles (including shock) with an almost unlimited range on the control system is coming, as well as the possibility of installing terminals on almost all military vehicles.
A car equipped with a SpaceX broadband access system Stralink terminal with a new flat-panel antenna designed to work in motion (with) SpaceXThe article says that SpaceX plans to start deliveries starting in December for the upgraded Starlink service for motorhomes (RV - Recreational vehicles), which currently comes only with a standard Starlink dish for $ 599, designed for stationary use.
According to SpaceX, the flat antenna will cost subscribers $2,500 and is better suited for moving vehicles because its wide viewing area can connect to more satellites. The company has warned customers that using any other Starlink dish on the go will void their limited warranty.
Despite the fact that the service is primarily intended for RV (motorhome) owners, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted that the service in motion works "on any moving ground object" that can accommodate an antenna with a surface area of just over half a square meter.
According to SpaceX, the flat panel antenna also has advanced GPS navigation capabilities to ensure stable communication on the go, it is "stable in harsh conditions" and is designed for permanent installation on a vehicle.
The Starlink RV subscription fee will cost the same $135 per month in the US, regardless of the antenna, with the possibility of limiting the connection speed during peak hours to give priority to customers in residential and other Starlink tariff plans.
According to the company, the new service will be ready by the end of the year for "selected markets" where Starlink has regulatory approvals to provide connectivity in motion.
These markets include the United States, although SpaceX says current capacity constraints mean low-latency high-speed services are not guaranteed in the southeast of the country during peak hours.
The standard Starlink antenna for motorhomes also remains available and can be delivered within two weeks - even to customers in low-bandwidth areas where waiting lists have been extended until 2023 under other Starlink tariff plans.
As of mid-October, Starlink for RV had more than 100,000 customers, despite the fact that this service was launched only five months earlier.
According to SpaceX's website, customers who want to use the service on the move should install a flat Starlink antenna with a wedge mount, which is included in their kit.
Those who are not confident in their self-made skills can use the services of third-party installers from companies, including Winegard, a supplier of connection equipment, which announced a reseller agreement with Starlink on October 25.
On June 30, the US Federal Communications Commission gave Starlink permission to connect vehicles, boats and airplanes in motion.
A week later, Starlink launched a service plan focused on maritime transportation, and on October 18 began accepting pre-orders for customers who want to use the broadband network in the air.
Thrown ashore near Sevastopol on 09/22/2022, a Ukrainian unmanned break-in boat, reportedly equipped to control a Starlink system terminal with a flat-panel antenna clearly visible in the aft part from above (with) photos from social networks
