Lifeboat Foundation

It appears that Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite constellation is not just aiming to provide high-speed internet service. Based on recent filings to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Starlink also plans to introduce a suite of related products to its portfolio, from a dedicated phone service, emergency backup for voice calls, and more affordable internet access for low-income customers through the US government’s Lifeline program.

Details of Starlink’s expanded services were mentioned in SpaceX’s petition to the FCC for a designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC). According to the Elon Musk-led company, an ETC designation is required in some US states where the satellite internet program won government funding to provide internet access to underserved areas. It is also required to receive reimbursement from the FCC’s Lifeline program, which offers discounts on telecom services for low-income customers.

Starlink’s beta today only offers internet access, but in its filing, SpaceX noted that “Starlink Services will provide voice telephony services, including: (a) voice-grade access to the public switched telephone network (‘PSTN’) or its functional equivalent; (b) minutes of use for local service provided at no additional charge to end-users; © access to emergency services; and (d) toll limitation services to qualifying low-income consumers in accordance with 47 CFR §§ 54.500, et seq. Starlink Services will offer voice services on a standalone basis at rates that are reasonably comparable to urban rates.”

Elon Musk is serious about making the upcoming Tesla Roadster “hover” with rocket technology in new comments about the electric supercar.

When first unveiling the vehicle, Tesla claimed a list of impressive specs for its new Roadster, including 0–60 mph in 1.9 sec, 620-mile of range, and more.

The CEO has been also teasing those specs as the “base specs,” and other versions should have even crazier performance.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk gave some details about the prospective electric van that the company could develop in the coming years. In an interview with Joe Rogan on the comedian’s podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience, Musk indicated that a van’s design would be more favorable to equip solar panels for stationary charging.

During Tesla’s Q4 2020 Earnings Call, TBC Capital Markets analyst Joseph Spak asked Musk about the possibility of developing an all-electric van. Vans have become a major player in the EV space since Rivian was contracted by e-commerce giant Amazon to build 100000 electric delivery vans. The vans have recently started testing in Southern California. Ford also developed an electric version of its Transit van.

The prospect of Tesla developing an electric van was confirmed by Musk during the Earnings Call.

If it was any other plutocrat I’d be disgusted. But Musk is pumping HIS OWN MONEY into SpaceX (and the space sector in general).

After SO MANY YEARS of INEXCUSABLY low levels of funding for human space flight — and for the creation of absolutely critical space infrastructure — I am EXTACTIC at the news!

I don’t always agree with the guy, but I DO deeply believe in what he’s trying to accomplish. I believe in his aspirations for our species. MOST IMPORTANTLY, unlike most of his peers with vaguely similar aims, I believe he can ACTUALLY ACOMPLISH his goals.

Continue reading “Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, is about to get a whole lot richer” »

After Jim Glickenhaus defied Elon Musk to pit the Cybertruck against the SCG Boot at the Baja 1000, he revealed his car will be a fuel cell pickup truck.

SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service on Monday began accepting $99 preorders from potential customers, with Elon Musk still expecting Starlink will IPO.

Starlink’s website emphasizes that preorders are “fully refundable,” but notes in fine print that “placing a deposit does not guarantee service.”

Fifteen teams will get $1m to develop ideas, with a $50m prize awaiting the winner.

Fan of Musk or no, an IRL Halo Warthog sounds awesome.