The Starlink dish from SpaceX is already built to survive both freezing and sweltering conditions. But now the company is requesting FCC approval for a new “high-performance” Starlink dish for buildings that promises to withstand even bigger temperature swings.
On Friday, SpaceX filed an application for the “HP” model Starlink dish, which it says is built with “features that ruggedize the unit for use in harsh environments.”
“Granting this application would serve the public interest by authorizing a new class of ground-based component for SpaceX’s satellite system that will enhance the range of broadband capabilities available throughout the United States —and most particularly, to those in challenging environments where ruggedization is appropriate,” the company added.
In August, SpaceX filed a similar application for a ruggedized Starlink dish capable of deliving high-speed internet in extreme environments. However, the application—which is still awaiting FCC approval—only requested operating the dishes on moving vehicles, such as planes, boats and cars. Friday’s application, on the other hand, requests approval to operate the ruggedized Starlink dishes as “fixed Earth stations,” meaning they’d be installed outside a building as stationary equipment.
For perspective, the current Starlink dishes for consumers can operate in temperatures from -22 degrees Fahrenheit to +122 degrees Fahrenheit. The equipment can also melt any snow that falls on the dish.
The upcoming high-performance dish promises to take the climate durability to the next level. “Compare to other user terminals SpaceX Services has been authorized to deploy, the HP model has been ruggedized to handle harsher environments so that, for example, it will be able to continue to cooperate 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 said.
SpaceX is also signaling the dish will target enterprise buyers, perhaps businesses or research labs. “Some HP terminals will be deployed in Occupational/Controlled Environments, especially for enterprise customers. In addition, many installations will be made in areas that are inaccessible to the public. However, some HP terminals will likely be deployed in General Population/Uncontrolled Environments as well,” SpaceX says in an attachment to its application.
The attachment adds that SpaceX plans on installing the ruggedized dishes at customer premises using only “qualified” personnel. The company’s application to the FCC requests approval to operate the new dishes across the US, including in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
