Another factor behind Starlink’s financial success lies in SpaceX’s mastery of satellite manufacturing, according to Caleb Henry, director of research at Quilty Space.
“Starlink has been able to do an incredible job at keeping the spacecraft costs lower than basically any industry precedent,” said Henry.
Quilty Space estimates the cost of Starlink satellites has evolved significantly. While the first generation V1 satellites were produced for around $200,000 each, the latest V2 mini version carries a heftier price tag of $800,000, but that reflects its increased size and capabilities (from 260 kilograms to 730 kilograms).
Looking ahead, Quilty projects the future V3 satellite will weigh in at a substantial 1,500 kilograms and cost roughly $1.2 million.
Henry predicts that if SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket becomes operational for Starlink deployments by 2025, “they might jump straight to launching the V3 version of their satellites.”