SpaceX expands Starlink constellation and introduces V5 antenna

SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink satellite constellation, recently launching 24 additional units into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This expansion aims to increase capacity, reduce unit costs, and improve coverage, particularly in remote or sparsely populated areas.

Alongside the orbital expansion, SpaceX has introduced the new V5 Starlink antenna. The V5 hardware is smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient than the previous V4 model, though it lacks an integrated GPS receiver for mobile use and offers slightly lower peak speeds of 375 Mbps.

However, a new limitation has emerged with the V5 hardware: subscribers cannot use the €10 per month "Standby Mode" with this specific antenna. SpaceX confirmed on its support page that "Standby Mode is not available for V5 hardware," effectively preventing owners of the new equipment from accessing the company's lower-cost standby subscription tier.