Facebook May Have Secret Plans to Build a Satellite-Based Internet

[Megalith]

Public filings have revealed that a company called PointView Tech LLC is developing an experimental internet satellite capable of delivering data 10 times faster than SpaceX’s Starlink. Sources say that PointView is actually a subsidiary of Facebook, and it is all part of the company’s plan to sell even more ads.

In early 2019, PointView’s Athena will also head out to LEO, on an Arianespace Vega rocket. Athena is about the same size and weight (150 kg) as SpaceX and OneWeb’s satellites, but Athena will use high-frequency millimeter-wave radio signals that promise much faster data rates. The company estimates its E-band system will deliver up to 10 gigabits per second.

 

[dgz]

How is putting things in LEO regulated on a global scale? I am guessing it isn't but I don't really know. But say it is. What about launching things into the moon and beyond, though. Who really has authority after the launch?

 

[gwarren007]

And be able to track your mobile electronics better too. Sell that info for more $

 

[IdiotInCharge]

How is putting things in LEO regulated on a global scale? I am guessing it isn't but I don't really know. But say it is. What about launching things into the moon and beyond, though. Who really has authority after the launch?

Rocket has to be launched by a company, company has to build rockets somewhere, rocket has to fly through someone's airspace...

I'll bet that there are ways around it, but generally speaking, you don't get into orbit without someone's permission.

 

[Imhotep]

That is great news.... with that kind of latency it will be useless and only makes sense for those trolling social media or streaming at best.

 

[TechLarry]

Speed is not the problem. I don't see how they can overcome Latency.

 

[kromc5]

Wonder if Zuckerburg will be going to Swedish Space Corp or Nasa Glenn Research Center to purchase some high altitude balloons? These are the two most responsible for launching all satellites. Also it was not to long ago that the Vicarius Filii Dei went to Antarctica where china, Russia and the USA and many others are best of friends. Or possibly he and the Jesuit Pope can go together since anyone with money or power goes before a Pope at the Vatican, Georgetown or Al Smith Dinner.

 

[kandrey89]

Megalith, did you fall and hit your head? That news has been around since 2016, nothing "SECRET" about it, next time use the word SECRET wisely.

 

[dgz]

Rocket has to be launched by a company, company has to build rockets somewhere, rocket has to fly through someone's airspace...

I'll bet that there are ways around it, but generally speaking, you don't get into orbit without someone's permission.

I get that. My question is who has an authority beyond the launch. Man, I'll be long dead before the first Mars war starts

 

[PaulP]

That is great news.... with that kind of latency it will be useless and only makes sense for those trolling social media or streaming at best.

This is LEO, even lower than the space station, unlike the current geosync services available now. Latency should not be an issue as long as the rest of their infrastructure is good.