5G: The space race

During January, entrepreneur Elon Musk used his SpaceX rockets to launch two batches of 60 ‘Starlink’ satellites into orbit as part of his scheme to populate the planet with mega-constellation broadband-by-satellite services.

Two more launches are planned for February and Musk is planning regular monthly launches this year. By the end of February, there will be almost 360 in orbit and operational from 550 kms (342 miles) high. By the end of 2020, there should be some 720 satellites in orbit. Musk says basic services could be up and running this year to provide cover during the US hurricane season.

• Read more: Satellites - the $500 billion business

Musk now holds the record as the world’s largest fleet operator of satellites and says that his initial service could start with as few as 420 craft in orbit, but 1600 (likely to be in place during 2021) would allow…