Finally done lying to us.

[Griff]

I guess I didn't obscure that very well but whatever.

[Undertoad]

Starlink public beta estimated to be before end of year. 2-4 more launches. Next launch Sunday morning. Sign up now.

https://www.starlink.com/

[glatt]

Giff, I'm so sorry. That's horrible service.

If only there was an eccentric billionaire who is planning to solve your problems. For an unknown price, but one that will have to compete with other options on the market. Maybe $100/month? Maybe a little less?

He can't price it too high, or nobody will sign up.

[Griff]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

Starlink public beta estimated to be before end of year. 2-4 more launches. Next launch Sunday morning. Sign up now.

https://www.starlink.com/

I'm on the list.

[Undertoad]

The first rollout of the beta (poss. November) seems to be limited to above the 44th parallel. Maybe they address lower latitudes after each launch?

[Griff]

I guess?

[tw]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

The first rollout of the beta (poss. November) seems to be limited to above the 44th parallel.

I currently see the skys devoid of Starlink birds except periodically when there may be 30 of them in a bunch. How long will it take for the herd to spread out - become useful?

[Undertoad]

After the first 60 sats went up, they started coating the bottoms Earth-facing sides of them black so they're harder to see.

[tw]

Originally Posted by Undertoad

After the first 60 sats went up, they started coating the bottoms Earth-facing sides of them black so they're harder to see.

Actually you don't see any of them at all. Defined is what is in the sky - observed or not. Starlinks are still bunched together.

Tonight, only between 1732 and 1804, were over 60 Starlinks. None before and after.

So again, when will the herd disseminate?

[Undertoad]

First (?) use of Starlink: helping emergency responders in WA state respond to fires. The sats just happened to be in the right place.

https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/29/2...rst-responders

[Undertoad]

SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment. However, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk did respond to a tweet from the Washington Emergency Management Division about the terminals, noting that the company is “prioritizing first responders and locations with no Internet connectivity at all” with Starlink.

The Starlink system has been great for communication, according to Friedrich. Responders have used the terminals to coordinate where to drop water on the fires and to request additional resources and supplies from the agency. It’s also being used in Malden to help the public as they rebuild their homes.

[Griff]

Brilliant.