What it is
Starlink is a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) constellation of thousands of satellites orbiting far closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites. That proximity gives dramatically lower latency and higher speeds, delivered to ships through dedicated maritime service plans.
How it works
A flat phased-array antenna on deck electronically tracks the fast-moving satellites passing overhead, with no large moving dish. Real-world maritime speeds far exceed legacy VSAT, which makes cloud applications and video practical at sea.
Where it fits
LEO links like Starlink are increasingly the primary high-speed connection on board, typically paired with a VSAT or L-band backup to cover gaps and guarantee reliability for critical traffic.