Why in news?
The Maharashtra government signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Private Limited on November 4, 2025, becoming the first Indian state to partner with Elon Musk's Starlink for satellite-based internet services. 
 
Objectives of the Maharashtra–Starlink partnership

• Provide high-speed, low-latency satellite internet to rural and underserved areas.
• Support digital inclusion, enhancing access to education, healthcare, and government services.
• Strengthen digital infrastructure as part of the Digital Maharashtra mission.
• Enable connectivity in remote districts poorly served by traditional internet infrastructure.
• Integrate satellite internet with the state's other initiatives such as EV infrastructure, coastal development, and disaster resilience programs.​

Key features of Starlink Satellite

• Low Earth orbit satellite constellation for low-latency, high-speed connectivity.
• Autonomous satellite collision avoidance and on-orbit maneuvering.
• Optical inter-satellite laser links allowing data relay without ground stations.
• Use of krypton ion thrusters and single solar arrays for efficient power and orbit management.
• Coverage across diverse terrains including rural, mountainous, island, and oceanic regions.​

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