SpaceX Starlink rolls out lighter V5 kit and equips Volaris fleet with satellite internet

SpaceX announced the official launch of the Starlink V5 residential kit, featuring an antenna that is roughly half the weight of its predecessor (1.1 kg vs 2.9 kg) and a more compact form factor. Power consumption drops from 75‑100 watts to 35‑50 watts, while maximum download speeds are listed at 375 Mbps. The lighter, lower‑power hardware is aimed at users in rural or off‑grid locations who rely on batteries or solar panels.

Mexican airline Volaris has signed a strategic partnership with SpaceX to install Starlink’s high‑speed satellite internet across its entire fleet of more than 150 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. Installation is slated to begin in 2027, bringing connectivity with latency of 20‑40 ms and download speeds exceeding 200 Mbps. The service is expected to enable streaming, video calls, and real‑time aircraft‑to‑ground data transfer for passengers and airline operations.

Both developments extend Starlink’s reach from homes in remote areas to commercial aviation, highlighting the growth of low‑earth‑orbit satellite broadband.