Main Engine Cut Off T+313: Starlink, Kuiper, Project Bromo, and More (with Caleb Henry)
Oct 30, 2025
Caleb Henry, Director of Research at Quilty Space and a savvy space industry analyst, dives deep into the evolving world of satellite communications. He discusses Starlink V3’s innovative design with enhanced capabilities and inter-satellite links. Caleb also explores Project Kuiper’s strategic rollout in multiple countries and sheds light on the implications of the Airbus-Thales-Leonardo merger. Plus, he delves into the changing landscape for Iridium amidst competition from SpaceX, and previews upcoming research on relay satellites.
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V3 Unlocks Relay And Capacity
- Starlink V3's larger design enables higher capacity and more crosslinks than earlier versions.
- Caleb Henry believes the extra crosslinks open new relay and business opportunities for Starlink beyond consumer broadband.
Starlink As A Relay Platform
- Using Starlink as a space-to-space relay lets operators reduce latency for time-sensitive data.
- Caleb points to Muon Space's use of Starlink as an example that normalizes relay usage for satellites.
NASA Deals Spur Relay Adoption
- Multiple operators and NASA partnerships are pushing relay services toward wider adoption.
- Caleb notes NASA's Succession program and several companies' involvement could tip the industry toward regular relay use.