SpaceX is ready to test internet communication satellites

For several months SpaceX has been working with Greg Weiler ((ex-head of the Google satellite network deployment project) on a satellite network project that will provide Internet access for people in remote regions of our planet. The current plans of partners are to launch 700 small communication satellites, weighing about 113 kilograms (the usual mass of a communication satellite is several tons). The approximate cost of each such satellite is $ 1 million, and SpaceX will launch the satellites.

Earlier, the Wall Street Journal became aware that Musk and Greg Weiler (ex-head of the project to develop a network of Google satellites) are negotiating with the authorities of Florida and Colorado about the possibility of building a satellite manufacturing factory in this region. Now the company is not yet ready to launch all 700 devices, only 2 satellites will go into orbit to conduct various tests and test the operation of the systems.

The discussion of experts on this subject can be read on Reddit . Two identical Ku-band (satellite frequency range 12-14 GHz) of the satellite will be launched into an orbit of 625 km. The expected operation time of these test devices is 6-12 months.
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The main purpose of the launch is to check the operability of the communication platform, antenna design and some other aspects of the system. The satellites will interact with ground stations in Fremont, Hawthorne (California) and Redmont (Washington). According to the test results, the project team will evaluate the design of the satellites and the entire platform, with the approval of the final version.