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Re:SpaceX delivers 3rd batch of Starlink satellites in two w... by ctdonath on Sunday March 14, 2021 @03:04PM (#26457866)
While watching today’s launch, occurred to me the ratio of paying-client launches to Starlink launches is [whatever it is]. Profit margins on paid launches must be high, maybe amazing, to support so many Starlink launches.
Re:SpaceX delivers 3rd batch of Starlink satellites in two w... by jewel on Sunday March 14, 2021 @03:10PM (#26457921)
They've also been raising money ($850M in February) so they don't necessarily have to be using profit from paid launches.
Re:SpaceX delivers 3rd batch of Starlink satellites in two w... by sfblah on Sunday March 14, 2021 @03:12PM (#26457936)
Does SpaceX really have any capital constraints? I'd assume that in the current environment they can essentially raise/borrow unlimited capital just on Musk's brand name.
Re:SpaceX delivers 3rd batch of Starlink satellites in two w... by adriancr on Sunday March 14, 2021 @04:32PM (#26458828)
Just based on their reusable rockets, government contracts and potential they can borrow unlimited capital... Musk is an added bonus (that can also likely fund it himself fully)
Re:SpaceX delivers 3rd batch of Starlink satellites in two w... by Rebelgecko on Sunday March 14, 2021 @07:04PM (#26460406)
That things that's clever is that it's a great way to test the limits of their refurbished boosters. A paying customer might be unhappy if SpaceX uses their launch vehicle to push the limits of minimal maintenance and reusability. But for their own payloads, that's not a big deal. Especially since if there is an oopsie, the Starlink payloads are much more easily replaced since they're mass produced
Re:SpaceX delivers 3rd batch of Starlink satellites in two w... by BurningFrog on Sunday March 14, 2021 @04:04PM (#26458486)
Starlink should make tons of money soon.

These launch costs are investments.

Re:SpaceX delivers 3rd batch of Starlink satellites in two w... by martin8412 on Sunday March 14, 2021 @05:29PM (#26459442)
They won't.. It's a product that's only remotely viable in remote locations. So Australia, Canada and US. Most of the rest of the world has no need for it
Re:SpaceX delivers 3rd batch of Starlink satellites in two w... by arcticfox on Sunday March 14, 2021 @06:12PM (#26459876)
Seriously? Unless Europe is "most of the world", I think you're quite mistaken.

Join me in rural Brazil, for example!

Re:SpaceX delivers 3rd batch of Starlink satellites in two w... by Hiopl on Monday March 15, 2021 @08:47AM (#26465417)
I know parts of Europe which would definitely benefit from Starlink. There are plenty of rural areas even in the most well-off EU countries with shitty internet.