SpaceX may soon introduce a new modification of its most compact satellite terminal, the Starlink Mini, equipped with a built-in battery. The update will make the device fully mobile, which will simplify the work of rescuers, the military and travelers.
SpaceX may soon introduce a new modification of its most compact satellite terminal, the Starlink Mini, equipped with a built-in battery. The update will make the device fully mobile, which will simplify the work of rescuers, the military and travelers.
This was reported by the specialized publication PCMag, citing research by IT specialist Jinwei Zhao, who analyzed the May version of the device’s firmware.
Lines were found in the software code that directly indicate the presence of an integrated power source. In particular, the message DishBatteryStats command is designed to read the internal battery of the terminal, including the exact charge level (state_of_charge). If the antenna was powered exclusively by external portable batteries, the Starlink firmware would not have the technical ability to directly receive this data.
In addition, the software mentions three different power modes. This indicates that the future device will be able to operate from the network via the USB-C port, from its own battery, or in a combined mode. Support for pass-through power will allow you to preserve the battery life and prevent it from wearing out quickly after several hundred charging cycles.
The current version of Starlink Mini requires a constant connection to a power outlet or external power bank. There are already third-party solutions on the market, such as PeakDo LinkPower battery packs that attach directly to the back of the antenna. However, such accessories are expensive and their software is unstable compared to the native integration from SpaceX.
It is expected that the official version of Starlink Mini with a built-in battery will receive full support in the official application and a branded warranty. Most likely, the company’s engineers will use a battery with a capacity of up to 99 Wh — this is the maximum limit allowed for transportation on airplanes. According to previous tests of similar configurations, this capacity provides more than five hours of continuous autonomous operation of the terminal.
SpaceX presented an ultra-compact version of the Starlink Mini satellite antenna in the summer of 2024. The main advantages of the model were its dimensions (the device easily fits into a regular backpack), a built-in Wi-Fi router, and significantly lower power consumption compared to the company’s standard terminals.
