SpaceX’s billionaire founder, Elon Musk, says his rocket company is in the “early stages” of a project that involves the development of advanced microsatellites operating in large formations. In a comment tweeted out on Monday, Musk said the project was aimed at providing “unfettered” Internet access at “very low cost.” Details would be announced in two or three months, he said.
Musk’s comment follows reports that he’s looking into lending support to a small-satellite venture established with the goal of providing global Internet access. The venture, known as WorldVu Satellites, was founded by former Google executive Greg Wyler — and for a time, it was the focus of speculation that Google would launch a new constellation of telecommunication satellites. In recent months, the relationship between Google and Wyler’s venture has faded. In September, Space News reported thatWorldVu “established relations” with Musk. And last Friday, The Wall Street Journal quoted unnamed sources as saying that Musk and Wyler were discussing a plan to build and launch about 700 satellites, each weighing less than 250 pounds (113 kilograms).
SpaceX is still in the early stages of developing advanced micro-satellites operating in large formations. Announcement in 2 to 3 months.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 11, 2014
WorldVu team has left Google to form their own #broadband #satellite venture http://t.co/CySHzWPFfy via @WSJ — Bill Ostrove (@B_OstroveFI) September 3, 2014
Elon Musk wants to launch 700 250-lb satellites to deliver Internet across the globe http://t.co/7i7PuxEZS9 pic.twitter.com/6c7ljqEfme
— WSJD (@WSJD) November 7, 2014
by Alan Boyle
