Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

DBDude t1_jadsn35 wrote

Looks like Starlink revenue may slightly surpass launch revenue, but that Starlink program also has a massive cost, as it'll take up about twice as many launches as SpaceX is getting paid for, plus the cost of the satellites.

10

Adeldor t1_jaewmj7 wrote

A few months ago I had a go at calculating the annual costs of the currently operating satellites. It doesn't factor in launch pad and other non-recurring and standing costs, but it does give an idea. I repeat it below:


  • Currently ~3000 satellites at ~$250k each, and each lasting 5 years
  • One Falcon 9 launches ~50 satellites, at a marginal launch cost of $15,000,000 (used booster + fairings)

So, total launch cost is:

  • $250,000 * 50 + $15,000,000 = $27,500,000, or $550,000 per satellite
  • The satellites last 5 years, so the per year cost is $110,000 per satellite

Thus, for all 3000 satellites, the current annual cost to build and launch is ~$330,000,000.

Of course, they're adding satellites, version 2 is coming out, Starship will reduce marginal launch costs by maybe an order of magnitude, ground operations and development costs are not included here, blah blah blah. Nevertheless, this might give a glimpse of the expense side.

13

Bewaretheicespiders t1_jae0xx8 wrote

Shotwell said they expect Starlink to become profitable this year. The Spacex launch cost for Starlink must be significantly less than what they charge for a flight to external clients, since they dont have the cost of dealing with the client, and taking their profit margin into account.

10