Starship Poised to Revolutionize High Earth Orbit Deployments, Enabling 99% Solar Uptime for Satellite Constellations

New insights suggest that SpaceX's Starship, with its dramatically reduced launch costs, could make deploying "Starlink class satellites" in High Earth Orbit (HEO) economically feasible, potentially achieving solar uptime as high as 99%. This development could unlock new possibilities for persistent observation and communication capabilities in space.

According to space commentator Warren Redlich, "High Earth Orbit' probably means higher than geosynchronous. At that distance from Earth, solar uptime would be as much as 99%." This significantly higher solar availability compared to lower orbits could reduce reliance on onboard batteries and extend operational lifespans for satellites. High Earth Orbit is defined as a geocentric orbit with an apogee further than that of geosynchronous orbit (35,786 km), offering continuous coverage and unobstructed views of Earth and deep space.

The key to this potential shift lies in the projected cost reductions offered by Starship. SpaceX aims for full reusability, which analysts predict could lower launch costs to under $10 million per mission, with some estimates suggesting a cost per kilogram as low as $10-$100. This represents a substantial decrease from previous heavy-lift options, making the deployment of large constellations in more distant orbits economically viable. Starship's high payload capacity, estimated at 100-150 tons to Low Earth Orbit, further supports the mass deployment of such satellites.

While the immediate focus is on HEO deployments, Redlich also addressed long-term aspirations, stating, "Manufacturing on the Moon for Elon's big idea is probably more than 10 years away. Most of the raw materials are there." Lunar manufacturing is seen as a crucial step for sustained off-world development, leveraging in-situ resources to reduce dependence on Earth-launched materials. However, significant technological and logistical hurdles remain before such operations become a reality.

The ability to place numerous satellites in HEO with high solar uptime, driven by Starship's cost-effectiveness, could transform various space-based applications, from enhanced global communication networks to advanced Earth observation and scientific research. This technological leap promises a new era of accessibility and operational efficiency in space.