Why Elon Musk is Really Building Starlink: Unveiling the Internet Space Race
The countdown begins — “T-3… 2… 1… LIFTOFF!” — and a billionaire’s plan to reshape the internet is soaring into space. Elon Musk’s Starlink, Jeff Bezos’ Project Kuiper, and OneWeb backed by Richard Branson — it’s a spectacle that raises questions. Why are these billionaires racing to put the internet in space? What’s wrong with the current undersea cable system? In this article, we’ll unravel the intricacies of the Great Internet Space Race and explore why Elon Musk’s Starlink might be a game-changer.
To understand the significance of the space race, let’s first delve into the existing internet infrastructure. As of 2021, over 436 undersea cables, spanning over 800,000 miles, criss-cross oceans, carry up to 99% of international internet traffic. These cables transmit binary information as flashes of light, creating a vast network that connects the world.
A visit to a cable-laying ship reveals the marvel of human ingenuity involved in creating the internet’s backbone. Ships traverse oceans, dropping cables that form an intricate web on the ocean floor. The process, though fascinating, raises questions about the feasibility of navigating deep ocean trenches. However, cable-laying companies claim to avoid the deepest parts, ensuring the cables reach the ocean floor without issues.
The concept of putting the internet in space isn’t new, dating back to Telstar 1 in 1962. While undersea cables use visible light to transmit data, satellites rely on radio waves. The challenge lies in converting binary information into waves, a process constrained by limitations such as latency. Traditionally, undersea cables have been faster, cheaper, and more reliable than satellites using radio waves.
The existing internet infrastructure, although remarkable, faces challenges in reaching everyone globally. The digital divide persists, with discrepancies in internet access between countries, rural and urban areas, and even within communities. This accessibility and affordability gap is a pressing issue that needs solutions.
Companies like SpaceX, through Starlink, aim to bridge this divide by providing high-speed, low-latency internet via satellites. Elon Musk envisions Starlink serving the “hardest to serve customers” and bringing broadband to the roughly 4 billion people on Earth who don’t have it. The goal is ambitious but aligned with the vision of making internet access a fundamental human need.
Starlink stands out from traditional satellite systems by placing its satellites in low Earth orbit, reducing latency. The system utilizes visible light between satellites, potentially challenging both traditional satellites and undersea cables. While Starlink is still in its early stages and faces challenges like interruptions from obstacles such as trees, its potential to transform global connectivity is evident.
However, the proliferation of satellites in low Earth orbit raises concerns for astronomers. The massive number of satellites could impede ground-based observations and hinder scientific research. Striking a balance between global connectivity and preserving astronomical observations becomes crucial.
The successful implementation of projects like Starlink could revolutionize global connectivity, making the internet faster, better, and more affordable. Research indicates that increased internet access correlates with job growth, new business formation, improved health outcomes, and better access to education. The potential positive impact is immense, provided challenges are addressed responsibly.
The Great Internet Space Race, spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Starlink, holds the promise of transforming how the world connects. While challenges such as astronomical interference need careful consideration, the potential benefits, including closing the digital divide and fostering global development, make it a race worth watching. As we look to the stars for internet solutions, the true impact of the Great Internet Space Race remains to be seen.
Written By:
Krrish Chhabra
