In a recent email invite, SpaceX announced the release of its new third-generation (Gen 3) Starlink antenna, priced at $599 USD. The revelation came to light when a Starlink subscriber shared a screenshot of the email. Notably, the $599 USD price tag aligns with the cost of the existing standard Starlink hardware kit for residential customers, which includes the second-generation antenna and a Gen 2 Wi-Fi router.

The new Starlink antenna introduces the Gen 3 Wi-Fi 6 router, a component that SpaceX is offering to select customers for $199 USD ahead of its full release in January 2024. “Enjoy an opportunity to experience the next generation Starlink!” the invite states. “The next generation Starlink is slimmer and more portable, with a more elegant design than its predecessor. This Starlink Kit also includes our Gen 3 router with improved range and speeds,” they wrote in the emailed invitation, pictured below. The kit is designed to offer improved performance with the inclusion of the Gen 3 router, promising enhanced range and speeds.

Screenshot email source: u/Reddit-cha via Reddit

SpaceX has shared detailed specifications of the new electronic phased array Gen 3 Starlink antenna on an updated Starlink.com Specifications page. This unveiling follows Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval for hardware sales granted to SpaceX approximately two months ago. One of the most noticeable changes in the design is the absence of the self-rotating motor found in previous Starlink antennas. Instead, the new dish is designed to lie flat against its new built-in kickstand or an optional pole mount.

The new antenna has undergone various modifications, including improved waterproofing, making it more resistant to the elements. The antenna is taller than its second-generation counterpart, standing at 23.4 inches compared to 20.2 inches, but maintains a width of 11.9 inches. Its waterproof rating has been increased to IP67, ensuring dustproof capabilities and the ability to withstand shallow water immersion for up to 30 minutes.

One significant change in performance is the increase in power consumption, which now ranges between 75 to 100 watts, up from 50 to 75 watts in the second-generation model. According to SpaceX’s FCC filing, the new dish aims to provide a high-performance solution that improves upon the previously authorized fixed user terminal models.

With these enhancements, SpaceX looks set to continue revolutionizing the satellite internet market, offering subscribers a more advanced and efficient Starlink experience.