On May 23rd, 2019, SpaceX launched 60 satellites, the first of thousands Elon Musk plans to launch for global internet coverage, as a part of the Starlink project.
Here is everything you need to know about Starlink.
Backstory:
In November 2018, Elon Musk’s SpaceX was granted permission from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch 12,000 satellites into the Earth’s orbit, which can provide global internet access.
Elon Musk emphasized, Starlink will also aim at providing a revenue stream to fund an eventual city on Mars.
What is Starlink?
Named Starlink, this project is designed to use thousands of relatively low cost satellites to provide internet services globally. This project can provide internet access even to the most remote areas in the world.
However, it might take a few dozen launches before this project can start working.
On 23rd May, 2019, SpaceX launched its first set of 60 satellites into the Earth’s orbit from Cape Canaveral, on one of its Falcon 9 rockets. Musk took to Twitter the following day confirming the act and stating, 60 flat panel satellites were launched and were a few hundred kilometers above the Earth. Each of these satellites weighs around 500 pounds and are capable of automatically dodging space junk.
Twelve such launches will be capable of providing affordable and reliable internet services to the U.S. Twenty four launches will be able to serve most of the world and 30 launches for the entire world. This will make 1,800 satellites in total and more will be planned after that.
The Challenge
A number of other companies like OneWeb, Telesat and Leosat have also received permission to launch satellites and are planning to do so soon. Now, the challenge for SpaceX will be to coordinate its constellations in such a way to avoid these other satellites and space junk.
Also, it is unclear as to how well Starlink will perform business wise as it will have to compete with something like 5G.
All said and done, this is definitely a notable achievement by SpaceX and Mr. Musk stated, Starlink is one of hardest engineering projects he has encountered.
The satellites are now orbiting at 440 km above the Earth’s surface and are also putting up a show for ground observers as they move across the night sky.
Stellantis has announced plans to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) from its Chinese joint venture partner Leapmotor in India, marking a key step in expanding its EV presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets. The launch is expected to begin with assembly of completely knocked down (CKD) kits at Stellantis’ existing facility in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra, with potential for greater localization depending on market response.
Leapmotor International, a joint venture where Stellantis holds a 51% stake, has exclusive rights to export, sell, and manufacture Leapmotor EVs outside China. The initial India lineup will include the T03 compact hatchback, positioned to compete with the Tata Tiago EV, and the C10 midsize SUV, targeting rivals like the Hyundai Creta Electric and MG Windsor. Stellantis aims to introduce six Leapmotor EV models in India by 2027.
Leapmotor delivered nearly 300,000 vehicles globally in 2024, doubling its year-on-year sales. The brand is known for its in-house development of electric motors, AI chips, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Shailesh Hazela, CEO and MD of Stellantis India, highlighted the company’s commitment to the Indian market and its focus on bringing premium, innovative EVs to upwardly mobile Indian consumers. While the exact launch timeline remains unconfirmed, Stellantis is targeting a debut by the end of 2025.
This move adds to the growing competition in India’s EV segment alongside brands like Vinfast and Tesla, as automakers race to capture market share in the country’s rapidly evolving electric mobility landscape.
CARS24, a leading online used-car marketplace, has acquired Team-BHP, India’s most trusted and active automotive forum, to deepen its connection with car enthusiasts and improve its technological capabilities. The acquisition will focus on strengthening Team-BHP’s product, technology, and AI features to deliver a better experience for its large community of automotive buyers and enthusiasts.
Team-BHP is renowned for detailed reviews and passionate discussions, making it a valuable platform for car buyers and sellers. By integrating Team-BHP’s expertise with CARS24’s marketplace, the combined platform aims to offer richer insights, improved market intelligence, and more personalized services to users exploring the used-car market.
This move follows earlier collaborations between the two companies, including a comprehensive report on India’s used car market trends in 2025, highlighting growing SUV demand and the dominance of pre-owned cars over new sales.
Overall, this acquisition positions CARS24 not just as a transaction platform but as a knowledge hub, combining community-driven insights with advanced technology to better serve India’s expanding used car market
Meta is developing its first true AR glasses, set to launch in 2027. Before the public release, employees will test the device starting in 2024. The company is also releasing new generations of Ray-Ban smart glasses in 2023 and 2025 with enhanced features like a “viewfinder” display.
Specifications and Features
The AR glasses are expected to feature OLED displays and Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, offering sophisticated AR and AI capabilities. They will enable users to interact with virtual objects and project high-quality holograms of avatars onto the real world.
Design and Competition
Meta aims for a sleek design, potentially building on its Ray-Ban partnerships. The AR glasses market is competitive, with Apple and Google also investing heavily. Meta seeks to make its AR glasses a game-changer by offering a unique user experience.
Future Plans
In addition to AR glasses, Meta is expanding its VR offerings with new headsets like the Quest 3 and exploring other wearable technologies. The company is focused on reducing costs to make the AR glasses more consumer-friendly by launch.