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A comment on SpaceX applies to offer high-speed internet service to Canadians. Parent comment

Re:SpaceX applies to offer high-speed internet service to Ca... by tialaramex on Friday June 19, 2020 @05:43PM (#23579149)
The planet is definitely in the way of radio transmissions between you and a satellite "below the horizon" and even if it could pass through the planet that's a long way. On the other hand a satellite in a boring orbit that's directly above you is 90° from the horizon with no obstacles and as close as it'll ever be so your reception ought to be good.

An optimist might believe Starlink will work at 10° above the horizon. A pessimist might doubt anybody will get it working below 80° (ie almost directly overhead). The reality is likely to be in between and this UI lets you see the effect.

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Re:SpaceX applies to offer high-speed internet service to Ca... by JshWright on Friday June 19, 2020 @05:54PM (#23579240)
"Optimism" and "pessimism" don't really apply here. While SpaceX hasn't publicly committed to what the "operational" value will be, it's likely they had a very good idea before they flew any hardware.
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Re:SpaceX applies to offer high-speed internet service to Ca... by gpm on Friday June 19, 2020 @06:02PM (#23579306)
SpaceX is still developing the user terminal, there might be a bit of optimism/pessimism in the degree to which they'll be able to make the user terminal target different angles (without bloating costs), though the person you're replying to definitely exaggerated the extent.
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