SpaceX unveiled the Starlink Mini 2 on Tuesday, addressing a key limitation of its predecessor by integrating a removable power pack into the design. The original Starlink Mini brought satellite internet to users on the move, yet demanded connection to an external power supply. The new generation eliminates that constraint through a 71Wh battery that attaches magnetically to the rear of the dish.

The battery delivers approximately 4.5 hours of continuous operation and weighs 490g. Users can detach and recharge it independently via its own USB-C port without requiring tools, and the included LED indicators display remaining charge. This design permits swapping between a fully charged spare unit and the one currently in use.

The dish itself now charges through a 60W USB-C connection, departing from the proprietary power connector found on the original Mini. A physical power button has replaced the earlier automatic activation when plugged in.

Hardware improvements across the board

Beyond the battery, SpaceX has refined multiple aspects of the device. Wi-Fi 6 replaces the previous Wi-Fi 5 standard, while coverage expands from 112 to roughly 167 square metres. The unit has become slimmer at 23.1mm thick compared with 38.5mm for its predecessor. When assembled with battery and kickstand, the complete package weighs 1.6kg and maintains the IP67 dust and water resistance rating.

Pricing and availability

SpaceX launched preorders on Tuesday exclusively for selected US customers, pricing the Mini 2 at $999 bundled with twelve months of Roam Unlimited service. Deliveries are slated to commence in mid-December.

The actual retail pricing structure remains unclear. Code discovered on Starlink's website by YouTuber DISHYtech, as reported by Digital Trends, references a $249 Mini 2 beta kit and a $50 spare battery option. These figures likely represent distinct product configurations rather than competing offers. The $999 preorder encompasses a year of connectivity, whereas the $249 listing appears to cover hardware alone.

Bundling annual service with the launch purchase marks a first for Starlink. The original Mini begins at $149 in the US, though its external power requirement spawned an aftermarket for third-party battery solutions. SpaceX has now integrated this capability directly into the new model.

Strategic positioning

The timing reflects Starlink's push to broaden its reach beyond its core subscriber base. The service grew to 10.3 million subscribers in the twelve months ending March, more than doubling from the prior year, yet average revenue per subscriber declined. Penetrating fresh markets and customer segments has become essential for sustained growth.

A battery-equipped satellite terminal appeals strongly to specific demographics: travellers, camping enthusiasts, van dwellers and maritime users—precisely the audiences Starlink targets through its Roam service tier. The product also positions the company competitively in emerging markets where it is establishing operations, notably Vietnam.

Starlink represents a cornerstone of SpaceX's broader connectivity operations, which bolstered the company's IPO filing earlier this year. The Mini 2 provides existing and prospective customers with an enhanced reason to adopt the service by eliminating the inconvenience of carrying separate power equipment. Currently, the $999 offer remains restricted to invited preorder participants in the United States.

https://x.com/Starlink/status/2120206875581186293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Source: The Next Web