Starlink satellites getting heavier to support DTD

5/30/2023 - Written By Caleb Henry

A May 30 regulatory filing with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission shows that Starlink satellites will see another mass increase, this time to support direct-to-device (DTD) connectivity from V2 Mini and, later, V2 Full satellites. As part of SpaceX's debris risk analysis, the company disclosed that V2 Minis with DTD will weigh 970kg, while V2 Fulls with DTD will tip the scales at 2,000kg apiece. That's a 21% increase for the Minis and a 64% increase over the initial mass of the Fulls -- both expensive mass penalties. Expect to see fewer Starlink satellites per Falcon 9 launch once the Minis are upgraded and more onus put on getting Starship flying for the transition to V2 Fulls.

SOURCE: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/10530137821424/1