SpaceX expands supply chain team in India amid Starlink delay
What's the story
Elon Musk's SpaceX is expanding its supply chain team in India, despite the commercial launch of Starlink being stalled by pending security clearances. The company has posted four job openings in Bengaluru, including three related to Starlink. These positions include senior supplier development engineers for injection molding and RF integration, a supplier development engineer, and a global supply manager.
Job details
RF integration role for user terminal production
The RF integration role emphasizes on ensuring quality and scalability of user terminal production at SpaceX's global suppliers.
The engineer will be responsible for creating RF test cases and calibration procedures for Starlink terminals at external suppliers, conducting root cause analysis on yield problems, and providing manufacturability input back to design teams.
A degree in electrical/electronics engineering with at least five years of experience in antennas or RF systems is required for this role.
International operations
Role requires travel to suppliers in Southeast Asia
The role is based in Bengaluru and requires up to 50% travel to suppliers in Southeast Asia.
SpaceX has similar supplier development functions for Starlink in Singapore and Hanoi.
Of the 19 international openings on its board, four are in Bengaluru. This global operation highlights the importance of these roles within SpaceX's wider supply chain strategy.
Launch delay
Why has Starlink yet to launch commercially in India?
Starlink's commercial launch in India has been delayed due to pending security clearances.
The delay was triggered by the use of Starlink terminals during the West Asia conflict in a country where the service doesn't have a license.
This raised concerns in New Delhi about whether a US-owned operator can be controlled during geopolitical tensions, particularly if a foreign government issues conflicting demands.
Strategic moves
Starlink pushes ahead with 2nd-generation satellite constellation plans
Despite the hurdles, Starlink continues to push forward.
On August 20, the company applied with IN-SPACe for its second-generation constellation of about 30,000 satellites operating between 340 and 615km.
Elon Musk also announced plans to serve rural India on his social media platform X.
SpaceX had registered Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited in November 2021 with an initial target of deploying 200,000 terminals by end-2022.