Eli5 Why can’t we use airplanes to create a starlink like internet?

Question

Eli5 Why can’t we use airplanes to create a starlink like internet?

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Answer 1

You need absolute predictability and stability.

From a weather perspective, that means no thunderstorms or hurricanes diverting flights.

From a political event perspective, that means no 9/11’s diverting planes or unexpected no-fly zones.

From a routine care perspective, that means no cancellations due to “maintenance” or “scheduling” or “passenger safety factor” issues.

From a passenger and personnel perspective, that means no reschedules due to “pilot got COVID” or “emergency medical issue” or “not enough seats sold to justify the flight” issues.

From a physics perspective, planes are too low, so they can’t deliver signal that far, honestly.

And finally, it’s a WHOLE LOT OF DIFFERENT COMPANIES and they’d all have to work together. StarLink is one company.

So, yeah, simply too complex to be achievably delivered.