SpaceX introduces portable 'Starlink Mini' satellite internet antenna for $599

SpaceX Starlink Mini

SpaceX has launched a new, compact version of its Starlink antennas designed for mobile use. Dubbed the "Starlink Mini," this portable kit fits easily into a backpack and provides high-speed, low-latency internet on the move, as per an email sent by SpaceX to its customers on Wednesday.

This early access release includes a limited number of Starlink Mini antennas, each priced at $599, which is $100 more than the standard model used for residential service. SpaceX aims to lower this cost over time to make internet connectivity more accessible globally. "Our goal is to reduce the price of Starlink, especially for those around the world where connectivity has been unaffordable or completely unavailable," the email stated.

Beyond the initial hardware cost, the Starlink Mini service is priced at $150 per month, which includes an additional $30 per month on top of the $120 monthly Residential service fee. The Mini Roam service, usable anywhere in the United States, offers 50 gigabytes of data per month, with an extra charge of $1 per gigabyte for additional data.

The Starlink Mini antenna is comparable to a laptop in size and weight, weighing just over two pounds and measuring about 12 inches by 10 inches by 1.5 inches. It is half the size and one-third the weight of the standard Starlink antenna. The Mini comes equipped with a built-in WiFi router and has lower power consumption while still providing download speeds of over 100 megabits per second.

The email did not specify the delivery date for the Starlink Mini. However, Michael Nicolls, Vice President of Starlink Engineering, mentioned on social media that production is increasing and the product will soon be available internationally. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk highlighted that setting up a Starlink Mini takes under five minutes.

Since its introduction in 2020, SpaceX has expanded its Starlink network and product offerings. Currently, about 6,000 Starlink satellites are in orbit, serving over 3 million customers in 100 countries. Initially focusing on consumer customers, SpaceX has expanded into various sectors, including national security, enterprise, mobility, maritime, and aviation, reshaping the satellite communications industry.