Starlink must be nationalized. It’s no longer just a hypothetical possibility that leaving it in private control might damage U.S. national security. That is happening now. https://mastodon.social/@sundogplanets/111025127137415613
@JamesGleick Nationalized by which nation? and from which nations budget will the 12-18 launches a year to keep the constellation intact be coming? You do remember that those satellites are in such low orbit that they reenter in about 5 years? That way even when they fail they don't create space junk. Is that same country also going to nationalize the Falcon9 launch system?
@JamesGleick StarLink requires constant launches. At the moment only SpaceX can afford the 12-18 launches per year it takes just to keep Starlink going and only because their internal launch costs are even lower then their industry leading commercial launch costs. A significant chunk of Starlink launch costs are written off as SpaceX R&D costs. Every time a booster sets a new launch record it is with a Starlink payload. First several reused fairing were on Starlink missions. The less expensive second stage with the reduced engine bell was tested on Starlink launches. I don't think there is any way that Starlink is a viable system outside of the Falcon9 and soon Starship development programs. There is a reason that every other satellite internet system has gone bankrupt.
