Key Points:
- SpaceX plans to sell satellite lasers to others. It is already discussing this with potential customers, showcasing its proactive stance in the satellite industry.
- The satellite lasers utilized in SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network enable rapid in-space communications at the speed of light.
- The technology, named “Plug and Plaser,” will be introduced aboard a Dragon capsule during SpaceX’s upcoming Polaris Dawn mission.
- The move aims to diversify revenue streams and support ambitious projects like developing the next-generation Starship rocket.
SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, has embarked on a new venture by offering satellite lasers for sale to other satellite firms. During a conference on Tuesday, Gwynne Shotwell, the President of SpaceX, announced shedding light on the company’s plans to diversify its revenue streams.
The satellite lasers, crucial for swift in-space communications, have already been employed in SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network. These lasers facilitate high-speed data transmission between satellites orbiting low-Earth orbit, enabling broader internet coverage worldwide with minimal reliance on ground stations.
At the Satellite industry conference in Washington, Shotwell revealed SpaceX’s intention to market this cutting-edge technology to other companies. She emphasized that SpaceX would introduce the laser technology, dubbed “Plug and Plaser,” through its upcoming Polaris Dawn mission, scheduled for launch aboard a Dragon capsule this summer.
Shotwell highlighted the laser offering’s user-friendly nature, suggesting that customers can easily install the equipment on their spacecraft. This move departs from SpaceX’s usual practice of not selling individual components, signaling its strategic shift to capitalize on its technological expertise.
The decision to venture into satellite laser sales aligns with SpaceX’s broader objective of generating additional revenue streams to support ambitious projects such as developing and testing its next-generation Starship rocket. The Starship rocket, envisioned to be more cost-effective and powerful than the Falcon 9, represents SpaceX’s foray into space exploration on an unprecedented scale.
In an interview following the panel discussion, Shotwell affirmed that SpaceX is already engaged in discussions with potential customers, underscoring the company’s proactive approach to seizing opportunities in the burgeoning satellite industry.
