SpaceX applies to offer high-speed internet service to Canadians

Re:SpaceX applies to offer high-speed internet service to Ca... by gpm on Friday June 19, 2020 @05:41PM (#23579134)

Imagine you're standing in a flat field, facing the satellite. Degrees from the horizon is how far you would have to bend your neck to be looking straight at the satellite.

FCC filings suggest 25 is the absolute minimum for service, the final constellation is likely to use somewhere in 40-60 as the actual limit.

I've received this question a few times now, anyone have a better name? Or maybe I should just add a ? button with a diagram?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:SpaceX applies to offer high-speed internet service to Ca... by toomuchtodo on Friday June 19, 2020 @06:06PM (#23579327)

You might link to the graphic on this page as a quick reference. Should be public domain as a government work if you want to host it.

https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/message_example.cfm

https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/images/astro_horizon.png

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:SpaceX applies to offer high-speed internet service to Ca... by tialaramex on Friday June 19, 2020 @05:46PM (#23579176)

I'm guessing based on my own experience that it's obvious if you understand why that would matter.

So the diagram may be the best option, maybe with a Wikipedia link if there's an appropriate one?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:SpaceX applies to offer high-speed internet service to Ca... by samcheng on Saturday June 20, 2020 @12:52PM (#23584944)

A common term is zenith angle, although that's the complement of the angle you're describing.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:SpaceX applies to offer high-speed internet service to Ca... by cartooncutout on Friday June 19, 2020 @05:45PM (#23579168)

thanks for the elaboration.. maybe just add this explanation as a tooltip on hover or something similar?

[ Parent | on HN ]