SpaceX Delays Launch of Starlink Internet Satellites (Again), Bitcoin Blockchain Already in Space

In total, SpaceX has announced plans to launch around 12,000 Starlink satellites by 2027. There have already been problems, however. The launch of these first satellites has already been delayed twice. Meanwhile, the Bitcoin (BTC) blockchain is already in space. Blockstream Satellite, for example, is a series of geosynchronous satellites that provide the full Bitcoin blockchain to users without internet access.

Satellite Internet by SpaceX

Starlink is not just one satellite but a series of satellites. Together, it will form a mesh network that will theoretically be able to provide internet access to people all across the globe. The company must meet deadlines set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

• First, 2200 satellites must be launched by April 2024 into low-Earth-orbit.
• Secondly, 3750 very-low-Earth-orbit satellites must be launched by April 2024.
• Another 3750 must be launched by November 2027.

Elon Musk, Founder and CEO of SpaceX, has stated that 60 Starlink satellites are to be launched into space at a time. Supposedly, there will be at least one monthly launch for the next two years.

Bitcoin Beyond the Internet

Accessing the Bitcoin blockchain via the internet via a Starlink satellite may seem a little tedious. Fortunately, Blockstream Satelite has already launched satellites into space which allow users to download the full Bitcoin blockchain without the internet.

Now targeting May 23 for launch of Starlink from Pad 40 in Florida

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 20, 2019

On the other hand, SpaceX has already delayed its launch of Starlink twice. Furthermore, If delays continue over the next few years, SpaceX may suffer repercussions from the FCC. However, if successfully launched, the Starlink satellites could do much more than just provide access to the full Bitcoin network. It could provide full internet access to those who are currently without it. This could greatly improve the lives of many throughout the world — but only insofar as the satellites actually launch into space. Do you think that SpaceX will successfully launch its first fleet of Starlink satellites on May 23 or should we expect another delay? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!  Correction (2019-05-26): This article originally claimed that “Blockstream’s proprietary software and services must be used to access the Bitcoin blockchain.” Blockstream CSO Samson Mow informed us that this was incorrect and that Blockstream Satellite is open source and Bitcoin data is free to receive. One only pays for the broadcast of data. The article has been corrected to reflect that.