(Credit: Rocket Lab)
Launch provider Rocket Lab is introducing a new satellite model that could help it and other companies operate space-based internet systems to rival Starlink.
Rocket Lab's Flatellite satellite is designed to be mass-produced for large constellations. The company aims to launch the satellites through its upcoming Neutron reusable rocket, a competitor to SpaceX's Falcon 9 vehicle.
Like Starlink satellites, Flatellites can be packed on top of each other, enabling a single rocket to carry a whole batch into Earth's orbit. "Flatellite enables secure, low-latency, high-speed connectivity, and remote sensing capability," Rocket Lab says.
"The industry is hungry for versatile satellites that are affordable and built fast in high volumes. This is why we created Flatellite,” CEO Peter Beck said in the announcement.
Interestingly, Rocket Lab describes the satellite as a “bold, strategic move” toward the company one day operating “its own constellation and delivering services from space,” similar to SpaceX and Starlink.
The Long Beach-based company remains mum on the full details of its satellite ambitions. But in an earnings call, Beck added: “We’ve developed Flatilite after many years of working closely with constellation operators and getting to deeply understand their needs of today and, of course, into the future.”
A key question is if Rocket Lab has already secured customer orders for Flatellite, but the company notes the satellite was designed for “national security, defense, and commercial markets.”
In the meantime, Rocket Lab previously received a subcontract to help Canada’s MDA design and manufacture 17 satellites to refresh the constellation for Globalstar, which has been powering satellite iPhone features for Apple.
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