The payloads on some of SpaceX's 2019 rocket launches will be its own satellites. 。
SpaceX vice president of satellite government affairs, Patricia Cooper, dropped some new details yesterday about the company's efforts to build a network of Internet-connectivity-providing satellites at a Senate committee hearing about broadband infrastructure. The company plans to have the first prototype of the satellite in space by the end of this year, with the first fully-operational units hitting orbit as part of a 2019 launch campaign. 。
The company's plan to launch the network by 2024 was first outlined in an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at the end of 2016, and we learned earlier this year that SpaceX is projecting a $30 billion revenue stream from the network by 2030, one that could be used to help fund SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's dream mission to Mars. 。
SEE ALSO:SpaceX's most recent rocket landing looks like something out of science fiction 。
Cooper told the committee that a second prototype will be launched in the "early months of 2018," and the 2019 launch campaign hinges on the prototype's success. Once the first of the satellites are in place, the rest of the constellation will go up in phases on the company's Falcon 9 rocket through that 2024 target date, when SpaceX believes the system of 4,425 satellites will reach full capacity. Another 7,500 satellites could launch after the first phase, pending the approval of a separate proposal. 。
Along with the extra change in SpaceX's coffers, the network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites could provide a major broadband connectivity boost to people in rural and under-served areas. 。
Featured Video For You。
(责任编辑：探索)
Man stumbles upon his phone background in real lifeCES is still completely sexistCast of Netflix's 'Altered Carbon' on death, class, and dystopiaPaul Bettany reportedly the new Prince Philip in 'The Crown' Season 3What brands need to know about virtual realityTesla's rumored P100D could make Ludicrous mode even more Ludicrous
A Tesla Model S P100D begs the question: What's more Ludicrous than Ludicrous?Right now, the biggest
...[详细]For some people, the future of technology is synonymous with a boundless realm of opportunities.
。For
...[详细]LG's new 4K TVs come with both Google Assistant voice controls
Before buying your next TV, you should make sure it comes with Google's Assistant. 。With Google Assis
...[详细]Instagram might tell you when somebody's screen recorded your story
Did you really think Instagram was going to stop copying Snapchat features in 2018? Now, Instagram i
...[详细]Olympian celebrates by ordering an intimidating amount of McDonald's
It's no secret that Olympians have to eat clean for years to ensure they're at peak physical conditi
...[详细]YouTube ads have been secretly mining cryptocurrency
YouTube is turning passive viewers into cryptocurrency miners, and Google isn't happy.The issue beca
...[详细]Macaulay Culkin likes the first 'Home Alone' better because Trump isn't in it
Macaulay Culkin is a big fan of bunny ears.For the past few years, the actor has been stocking up on
...[详细]Philadelphia goes wild as the Eagles win the Super Bowl
It's party time in Philly.The Philadelphia Eagles ended a 57-year gap between championships by beati
...[详细]The U.S. will no longer have the final say on internet domain names
The National Telecommunications Information Admistration (NTIA) announced via。 blog post。on Tuesday
...[详细]Astronomers aren't happy Rocket Lab put this bright object in orbit
On Thursday, the rocket company Rocket Lab announced that it had secretly launched the Humanity Star
...[详细]Watch MTV's Video Music Awards 2016 livestream
Astronomers aren't happy Rocket Lab put this bright object in orbit
