An Event38 employee recently hinted on LinkedIn about a new feature for its E455 drone lineup: integration with SpaceX’s Starlink internet. This enhancement, aimed at the drone’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) variant, promises high-speed data transfer over long distances with low latency and reliable connectivity.
SpaceX’s Starlink has seen significant growth over the past year, with frequent launches—sometimes twice weekly—adding thousands of satellites to its constellation. This expansion boosts bandwidth and extends coverage across the globe. For those unfamiliar, Starlink, a SpaceX initiative, aims to deliver high-speed internet globally, targeting rural areas with limited connectivity options, as well as mobile platforms like boats, airplanes, RVs, and even an adventurous Prius.
Event38 is leveraging this technology to address a key challenge in BVLOS drone operations: maintaining connectivity. In areas with cell tower coverage, drones can stay connected, but in remote regions, operators often lose contact, limiting operational capabilities or halting missions entirely.
While Event38 teased this development, no specific timeline for an official product announcement was provided. The E455, a heavy-lift quadcopter, is the chosen platform for this upgrade. Compliant with FAA Part 107 regulations (under 55 pounds), it features a fixed-wing design for efficiency, supports payloads over 60 pounds, and offers a two-hour flight time for large-scale mapping missions.
The Starlink Mini terminal, unveiled earlier this year, is likely the system being integrated. Its compact, lightweight design makes it a better fit for drones compared to Starlink’s aviation-specific terminal. Starlink is already used in commercial aviation for in-flight Wi-Fi and on SpaceX spacecraft for real-time telemetry and video.
As the FAA increasingly grants BVLOS waivers, Starlink’s satellite internet could unlock new possibilities for drone applications, enhancing reliability and enabling operations in remote areas.