Have you heard about internet in space?
Today’s blog is by Margaret Stewart, Director of HR and Administration at SafeSourcing Inc.
Recently SpaceX launched 60 satellites into space as part of their efforts toward space internet. This internet is not just internet for astronauts, but part of a larger effort to create a new way of providing internet access to people all over the globe.
Already, SpaceX has launched over a hundred satellites into space and plans to continue launching until they reach more than 10,000. This is believed to be able to provide low cost global connection. This project is not new, however, but rather began in 2015. It is expected to be completed and Starlink internet, the name they have chosen for this broadband, may be operation by mid-2020.
While space internet may be the future of internet and the answer to how to connect people across the entire globe, there have been some concerns. One concern is about the amount of space junk launching so many satellites may cause. This can come from broken satellites or pieces of them coming loose and may cause further damage to other satellites. This can cause a domino effect by creating even more broken pieces and parts that can bump into and damage other satellites and eventually lead to excessive debris in the orbit or even falling debris into our atmosphere. In addition to this, scientists believe that this many satellites may obstruct the earth’s view of planets, stars, solar systems, and galaxies that are often studied.
While the plans for space internet are moving forward, debates continue whether the benefits outweigh the good. The long term plan for SpaceX is a trip to Mars, and these satellites will help those plans by creating a more direct and open line of communication to Earth. However, until the space internet becomes mainstream, we must still rely on the internet services available to us now. SafeSourcing can help your organization find providers that can fulfill your internet needs while saving money.
For more information on how SafeSourcing can help your procurement efforts, or on our Risk
Free trial program, please contact a SafeSourcing Customer Service Representative. We have an entire team ready to assist you today.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starlink_(satellite_constellation)
