SpaceX Launches Starlink Mini 2 with Swappable Battery and Slimmer Design

Image: Starlink Mini 2 adds a swappable battery · Source

SpaceX introduces the Starlink Mini 2, a thinner satellite internet terminal with a built-in swappable battery, USB-C charging, and improved portability, available now by invitation for select US customers.

SpaceX has revealed the Starlink Mini 2, an updated version of its compact all-in-one satellite internet terminal that combines the satellite dish, Wi-Fi router, and a rechargeable battery into a single device roughly the size of a laptop. This new model introduces a key enhancement: a hot-swappable battery system allowing users to extend usage time by exchanging batteries on the go. Additional batteries will be sold separately, enabling prolonged connectivity in locations without immediate power access.

The Starlink Mini 2 offers up to 4.5 hours of operation on a full charge, and users can also power the device via a 60W USB-C connection, adding flexibility in how it can be used and charged. Despite the inclusion of the battery, SpaceX managed to reduce the device's thickness to 23.1mm, down from the previous Mini's 38.5mm, slightly increasing its weight to about 3.5 pounds due to battery integration. It maintains an IP67 rating for dust and waterproofing, ensuring durability in outdoor environments.

Pricing for Starlink Mini 2 is currently set at $999, which includes a full year of SpaceX's Roam Unlimited service—a satellite internet plan valued by the company at approximately $2,100. The product is currently available by invitation only to select customers in the United States, with plans to broaden availability to additional users and countries in the near future, as noted on Starlink's official website.

This launch demonstrates SpaceX's ongoing efforts to enhance the portability and usability of satellite internet technology, especially for users requiring reliable connectivity in off-grid or remote situations. The swappable battery feature is a notable improvement that addresses power dependency challenges traditionally associated with satellite terminals.

The Starlink Mini 2's combination of compact form factor, improved battery management, and rugged design positions it as an attractive option for mobile satellite internet access. As availability expands, its adoption could grow among consumers and professionals relying on broadband outside conventional infrastructure environments.