SpaceX's second-generation portable satellite dish includes a removable battery rated for up to 4.5 hours, with preorders by invitation for select US customers.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
SpaceX announced the Starlink Mini 2, a second-generation portable satellite internet terminal with an integrated, swappable battery. The dish combines a satellite antenna, Wi-Fi router, and battery in a device about the size of a laptop.
The Mini 2 includes a removable 71 Wh battery that SpaceX says lasts up to 4.5 hours on a full charge. The battery can be hot-swapped with additional batteries sold separately, or the dish can connect to a 60W power source over USB-C. The battery weighs 1.08 pounds and features a USB-C port and its own battery life indicator.
The Mini 2 is thinner than the original Mini. The Verge reports it is 23.1mm thick, down from 38.5mm on the previous version. PCMag reports the thickness as 21mm. The dish weighs around 3.5 pounds with the battery and kickstand, compared to 2.56 pounds for the first-generation Mini with its kickstand. Both models carry an IP67 dust- and waterproof rating.
The Mini 2 upgrades from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6, expanding coverage from up to 1,200 square feet to up to 1,800 square feet. Based on product images, the Mini 2 appears to lack an Ethernet port.
Preorders are open by invitation for select US customers, with availability coming soon to more customers and countries. According to users on X who shared screenshots of invitations, the dish is priced at $999, which includes a full year of Roam Unlimited service that SpaceX values at $2,100. PCMag reports that buyers pay a refundable $100 deposit, with the remaining $899 plus tax charged when the Mini 2 ships. Shipments are estimated to begin in mid-December, and this price and year of included service are exclusive to this preorder invitation.
References in the Starlink.com API indicated the product could be available for $249 as part of a beta program, with the battery listed for $50. SpaceX has not confirmed these figures.
The swappable battery addresses a key limitation of the original Starlink Mini, which required an external power source. The integrated battery allows portable operation without a wall outlet or vehicle power, though the $999 preorder price represents a significant increase over the original Mini, which is currently discounted to as low as $149.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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