SpaceX satellite constellation

The SpaceX satellite constellation is a development project underway by SpaceX to develop a low-cost, high-performance satellite bus and requisite customer ground transceivers to be used to implement a new space-based internet communication system.

SpaceX has plans to also sell satellites that use the same satellite bus, satellites that might be used for scientific or exploratory purposes.

Development began in 2015, initial prototype test-flight satellites are expected to be flown in 2017, and initial operation of the constellation could begin as early as 2020.

The communication satellite network SpaceX envisions was publicly announced in January 2015, with the projected capability of supporting the bandwidth to carry up to 50 percent of all backhaul communications traffic and up to 10 percent of local internet traffic in high-density cities. CEO Elon Musk believes that there is significant unmet demand for low-cost global broadband capabilities.

The opening of a new SpaceX satellite development facility, located in Redmond, Washington, was announced by SpaceX in January 2015, to build the new communication network. As of January 2015^[update], the Seattle-area office planned to initially hire approximately 60 engineers, with the potential to increase to 1000 people in the next several years. There were 45 open positions in October 2015. The company was operating in 2,800 square meters (30,000 sq ft) of leased space by late 2016, and by January 2017 had taken on a 3,800 square meters (40,625 sq ft) facility, both in Redmond.

As of June 2015^[update], the company planned to have two prototype satellites flying in 2016, and have the initial satellite constellation in orbit and operational by approximately 2020. However, by October 2016, design changes had obviated the original two test satellites, and the launch of two revised satellites had slipped to 2017.

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