SpaceX unveils the robust Starlink Performance Kit, designed for tough conditions
SpaceX Unveils Starlink Performance Kit for High-Speed Satellite Internet
SpaceX has introduced the Starlink Performance Kit, a third-generation satellite internet system designed to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to a variety of outdoor environments.
The kit comes with a flat, low-profile dish, approximately 23.4" x 15.07" (594 x 383 mm) in size, with a thickness of 1.5" (39.7 mm) and a kickstand height of 4.74" (120.4 mm). Weighing around 7.9 lbs (4.2 kg), the dish is housed in a powder-coated aluminum enclosure for resistance to corrosion and impact. It is rated for outdoor use with an IP67 rating, suitable for operating temperatures between -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F).
The dish can withstand extreme weather conditions, operating in temperatures from -40°C to 60°C and withstanding winds over 270 kph (170 mph). It is also designed to survive hail impacts up to 1.25 inches and submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Accompanying the dish is a router supporting Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), with tri-band operation across 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. The router features a 4x4 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi antenna, WPA2 security, and can connect up to 235 devices. It is rated for limited outdoor use with an IP56 water resistance rating and operates within the same temperature range as the dish.
Power specifications include 100-240 VAC input at 50/60 Hz with a 2.5A maximum draw. The system uses a separate IP66-rated power supply with waterproof connectors. Cabling consists of a 15-meter (49.2 ft) detachable RJ45 waterproof cable between the dish and router, plus a 1.5-meter power cable from the power supply to the router. Additional cabling options are available for purchase.
Performance-wise, the system is engineered to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity, with ongoing updates reducing latency to around 20-33 milliseconds median and improving overall network stability. Power draw averages about 70 watts with occasional spikes up to 88 watts under load.
The Starlink Performance Kit service plans cater to various usage scenarios, including enterprise and mobile deployments. Monthly service plans range from $65/month for 50GB, $165/month for 500GB, $290/month for 1TB, and $540/month for 2TB. Out of the box, users can expect download speeds exceeding 400 Mbps from the Starlink Performance Kit.
The Starlink Performance Kit is currently only available in the U.S. SpaceX has not announced when the kit will be made available in Canada. However, SpaceX plans to unlock gigabit speeds in the most remote parts of the world for the Starlink Performance Kit starting in 2026, without requiring new hardware.
The Starlink Performance Kit is a new satellite internet system launched by SpaceX, designed to deliver reliable, high-speed satellite internet to a wide range of outdoor environments, including RVs, mobile setups, and fixed sites. It is also suitable for remote environments, maritime conditions, and high-vibration use cases like construction, mining, or long-haul transport. The Starlink Performance terminal has a 10-year mission life.
In summary, the key features and specifications of the SpaceX Starlink Performance Kit include:
- Dish: Flat, IP67 rated, 23.4" x 15.07", 7.9 lbs, rugged for outdoor use
- Router: Wi-Fi 6 tri-band (2.4/5/6 GHz), 4x4 MU-MIMO, supports 235 devices, mesh networking
- Power: 100-240 VAC, separate IP66-rated power supply, ~70 W average power draw
- Cabling: Waterproof RJ45 cable 15 m, power cable 1.5 m, extensible
- Performance: Low latency (~20-33 ms median), suitable for streaming and gaming
- Mobility option: High performance flat kit variant with wide FOV and enhanced GPS for use in motion
This system is designed to deliver reliable, high-speed satellite internet to a wide range of outdoor environments.
The SpaceX Starlink Performance Kit, a third-generation satellite internet system, delivers reliable, high-speed connectivity to a variety of outdoor environments such as RVs, mobile setups, and fixed sites, leveraging the advancements in science, space-and-astronomy, and technology. The dish, with its robust design, is rated for outdoor use and equipped with technology that enables it to withstand extreme weather conditions and function in temperatures from -40°C to 60°C. Additionally, the router supporting Wi-Fi 6 communication technology allows for connecting up to 235 devices, providing high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity, perfect for streaming and gaming.
