SpaceX Discovers Starlink Power Cable Flaw
▼ Summary
– SpaceX is issuing free replacement AC and DC power cables for its Starlink Performance (Gen 3) kits and Advanced Power Supply Units due to a waterproofing quality issue.
– The company identified that the original cables do not meet its quality standards and may be susceptible to water ingress if submerged or exposed to powerful water jets.
– This issue affects products designed for harsh environments, including extreme weather and marine use, despite previous IPx8 water ingress protection qualifications.
– The problem became apparent when the cabling was used in wet environments, prompting the proactive replacement campaign to ensure continued product reliability.
– The Advanced Power Supply has been removed from the Starlink online shop, and this quality-control issue is a likely reason for its delisting.
SpaceX has initiated a voluntary replacement program for specific power cables used with its high-performance Starlink hardware. The company identified a potential waterproofing flaw in the AC and DC power cables supplied with Performance (Gen 3) kits and the standalone Advanced Power Supply Unit. This proactive move aims to ensure long-term reliability for customers using the equipment in demanding conditions.
According to an official support page, the issue relates to the cables not meeting the company’s internal quality standards. While the Advanced Power Supply Unit itself was rigorously tested for water resistance, the identified flaw means the attached cables could be more vulnerable to water ingress if subjected to submersion or powerful jets. The problem reportedly surfaced when the cabling was used in wet environments, prompting the company to take action.
Starlink began notifying affected customers in December 2025, offering free replacement cables. The notice instructs users to install the new cables to maintain product integrity. The Performance dish, which often comes bundled with the Advanced Power Supply, is marketed for operation in harsh settings, including marine and extreme weather applications, making this cable reliability a critical concern.
Notably, the Advanced Power Supply Unit has been removed from the Starlink online store, where it was previously sold for $200. While SpaceX has not publicly commented on the delisting, the timing suggests the quality-control discovery may be related to the product’s temporary unavailability. The company’s decision to issue replacements reflects its commitment to addressing potential issues before they lead to widespread customer problems.
(Source: PC Magazine)
