Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to expand its Starlink project into Switzerland, with plans to establish a major ground station in the Valais community of Leuk.
The project involves setting up 40 antennas to relay Starlink satellites, marking a significant step in the global network. SpaceX has applied for the necessary permits, signaling the beginning of this ambitious venture.
The planned antennas will be approximately 2.5 meters high and of the LEO (Low Earth Orbit) type, serving as ground stations for the Starlink network.
This will enable the connection between the satellites and the terrestrial internet, potentially providing high-speed internet access to the region. If implemented, it would be the first Starlink ground station in Switzerland, adding to the existing 150 stations worldwide.
The facility in Leuk, with its 40 antennas, would be among the largest in Europe, potentially boosting the local economy. The town's mayor, Alain Bregy, has expressed enthusiasm for the project, anticipating a positive economic impact.
If everything goes according to plan, the Starlink equipment in Leuk could be operational as early as this fall, further expanding SpaceX's global reach.