SpaceX has unveiled Starlink Mini 2, a redesigned portable satellite internet terminal with a removable battery that keeps it online for up to 4.5 hours without a mains socket. Preorders opened on 10 November 2026 for selected customers in the United States, priced at $999 including a year of Roam Unlimited service.

The first Starlink Mini needed an external power source, which meant carrying extra kit on camping trips, remote work or long journeys. Mini 2 removes that constraint: its 71 Wh battery clips on with a tool-free quick-release mechanism, so a flat pack can be swapped for a charged one in the field.

What the battery changes

The battery weighs about 1.08 pounds (490 grams) and carries its own LED status lights and USB-C port. SpaceX supports 60-watt USB-C Power Delivery charging for the pack, and the retail kit includes a 60-watt wall charger and a three-metre USB-C cable. The terminal can also run directly from USB-C power without relying on the battery at all.

The 4.5-hour figure is SpaceX's own rating for a single charge, so real-world runtime will vary with conditions and use. Extra batteries will be sold separately, according to reports of the launch, letting users extend a session by carrying spares rather than a generator or power bank.

Faster Wi-Fi and a tougher shell

Mini 2 also upgrades the built-in router from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6, with coverage of up to 1,800 square feet (167 square metres). SpaceX says the terminal can get a user online in 60 seconds with a clear view of the sky.

Despite adding a battery, the terminal is thinner than the original Mini at 23.1 mm, down from 38.5 mm. It is heavier, at 3.53 pounds (1.6 kilograms) including the battery and kickstand, against about 2.43 pounds for the original. An IP67 rating protects it against dust and water, and it has a foldable kickstand, a standard 1/4-inch-20 tripod thread and a 55-degree field of view for satellite acquisition.

Price, preorders and the $249 question

The $999 preorder package includes the Mini 2 hardware and 12 months of Roam Unlimited service, which SpaceX values at $2,100. Customers reserve a terminal with a refundable $100 deposit, with the remaining $899 plus taxes charged when the device ships. Initial shipments are expected to begin in mid-December.

The offer is currently invitation-only for selected US customers, and SpaceX has not announced broader availability or international pricing. There is one point of confusion: code found on the Starlink website before the announcement suggested a $249 dish and a $50 spare battery. That pricing has not been confirmed by SpaceX, and the $999 figure comes from the invitation screenshots shared by customers, so buyers outside the invitation programme should wait for an official price list.

Who it is for

Mini 2 is aimed at travellers, campers, field workers and anyone who needs internet where there is no socket nearby. The Roam Unlimited plan covers road travel, streaming and video calls, and supports use while moving at up to 100 mph, with international use for up to 30 days at a time. For people who already own the original Mini, the decision comes down to whether the battery, Wi-Fi 6 and tougher enclosure justify the higher entry price.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Starlink Mini 2 battery last? SpaceX rates the removable 71 Wh battery at up to 4.5 hours of connectivity on a single charge. Spare batteries can be swapped in without tools.

How much does Starlink Mini 2 cost? The invitation-only preorder is $999 in the US, including the hardware and 12 months of Roam Unlimited service. A $100 refundable deposit reserves a unit, with $899 plus taxes due when it ships.

When does Starlink Mini 2 ship? SpaceX says initial shipments should begin in mid-December 2026. The launch offer is limited to selected US customers for now, with no confirmed date for other countries.