SpaceX’s Starlink has recently introduced its most durable internet solution yet: the Starlink Performance Kit. This kit is specifically designed to provide high-speed connectivity in the toughest environments around the world.
The Performance Kit is constructed with an aluminum enclosure and is rated IP69K for water and dust protection. This means that it can deliver download speeds exceeding 400 Mbps, even in extreme weather conditions and remote locations. It is ideal for use in industries such as agriculture, construction, and marine operations.
According to Starlink and the technical documentation released, here are some key features of the Performance Kit:
– It can withstand winds of over 270 km/h (170+ mph)
– It remains functional in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F)
– It is designed for 10 years of durability in corrosive saltwater and high-vibration conditions
– It has the capability to melt snow at rates up to 13.2 cm/hr (5.2 in/hr)
The hardware of the Performance Kit includes a rack-mountable Advanced Power Supply that supports both AC and DC power, with failover options for mission-critical uptime. It has been rigorously tested to withstand 50g shocks, 1.25-inch hail impacts, military-grade vibration, and drop standards. Notably, SpaceX demonstrated its resilience by showing that it can withstand Falcon 9 rockets landing beside it on a drone ship in the ocean.
Furthermore, Starlink has announced that gigabit speeds will be enabled through software upgrades in 2026, eliminating the need to replace the hardware.
The Performance Kit comes with a 3-year warranty and is currently available for permanent installation with a choice of mount. It is targeted towards users in remote or demanding environments who require reliable connectivity. Whether you are managing a mountaintop weather station or working in a demanding industry like mining, the Performance Kit is designed to meet your connectivity needs.
Overall, the Starlink Performance Kit represents a significant advancement in rugged internet solutions, providing high-speed connectivity in even the most challenging conditions.