Billionaire Elon Musk, the brain behind Tesla and SpaceX, is considering plans to launch a “constellation” of satellites that are capable of delivering Internet access around the globe.
Musk has teamed up with Greg Wyler, a satellite-industry veteran and former Google executive, to work on the project, which would launch 700 satellites, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources. The project would cost $1 billion or more to develop, according to a report.
The idea is in its early stages and Musk isn’t guaranteed to be a part of it, the report said.
The plan hinges on developing small satellites, weighing no more than 250 pounds, that would cost less than $1 million each, the Journal said. That’s about half the weight and cost of current communications satellites. Both Google and Facebook are also developing ways to provide Internet to parts of the globe without access by using drones and balloons. However, using satellites for such efforts have been stymied by high costs and limited users, according to the Journal.
Musk’s SpaceX, which won a $2.6 billion contract from NASA in September, would launch the satellites into space. The partners are also discussing plans to build a factory, and have already held discussions with officials in Florida and Colorado, the Journal said.
Does this potentially mean faster internet for all or will access be focused toward those in 3rd world and remote areas? Let’s hope it’s both, cause damn, it’s pretty slow at the tip of Africa.
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