Starlink do have plans for optical on their satellies but to date their existing constellation is non-optic enabled (around 1350) and their polar and ocean satellites are laser enabled given lack of ground contact.
SpaceX did not answer an emailed request for the number of laser-equipped Starlinks in service, but ifevery launchto polar orbits so far featured them, the total would be 64 of the1,428 in service.https://www.fastcompany.com/90681156/elon-musk-starlink-satellite-lasersIn January, SpaceX Founder Elon Musk confirmed that SpaceX wastargeting inter-satellite linksfor Starlink satellites for 2022, and in January, SpaceX launched 10 Starlinks with inter-satellite links to Polar Orbit.
Shotwell also commented on the economics of the laser terminals: “It is [expensive], although … our terminals are far less expensive than those that we surveyed. Anything you add to that satellite is expensive, but when you pack 60 of them together and throw them on one reusable launch vehicle, the economics are pretty favorable for us.”
So to say that Space X will have a field of optical connected satellites in orbit by 2024 is probably not accurate. There are also significant technical issues with having a mesh network pick up traffic and drop off to ground stations. Not to mention at what cost, and what standard, you need to use Space X infrastructure and the security issues for non-commerical users.
Same with the global relay system by the SDA. All reserved for the US military.
Probably in service date of 2024. Seems EOS is hitting a sweet spot and an unmet market need.
https://spacenews.com/dod-space-agency-changes-course-on-satellite-procurement-in-wake-of-maxars-protest/Interestingly, Maxar is one of those firms who may fit the description of a leading LEO operator with a launch scheudle in line with Spacelink who could be customer One in the artilce linked by a poster.
https://www.maxar.com/splash/it-takes-a-legionIf you look at another competitor, the Airbus SpaceData Highway, then this looks very Europe centric, although plans to have a third satellite
EDRS-D to cover the Asia Pacific in 2024/25.
With ground stations in the US, Hawaii and Australia- you get some pretty global coverage with Spacelink already.
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