SpaceX continues to expand its catalog of satellite antennas, and according to the latest leaks, the new Starlink Mini 2 is about to arrive . Just days after the company unveiled the V5 residential kit , well-known leaker Oleg Kutkov has revealed details of a terminal that is even more portable than its predecessor. The information, circulating under the hardware reference mini2_prod1, points to an imminent launch, although SpaceX has not officially confirmed the product or its specifications.
The major innovation of the Starlink Mini 2 is the inclusion of an integrated lithium battery , a recurring demand among users seeking electrical independence. This change represents a radical departure from the original Starlink Mini , which required a constant external power supply. The four-cell (4S) battery is managed by a BQ40Z series BMS and recharges via a USB-C Power Delivery port with an input range of 11 to 24 volts. While the exact capacity has not been disclosed, the ability to operate unplugged for hours makes the Mini 2 an ideal option for travelers, campers, and professionals working in areas without access to the electrical grid.
More compact size and integrated battery
The new device is smaller than the original Mini, shrinking from 236 x 276 mm to 225 x 273 mm . This modest reduction reinforces the Mini line's philosophy: increasingly smaller and more portable devices. The internal antenna has also been redesigned, going from 571 to 549 elements. According to the leak, this isn't simply a reduction, but rather an optimization of the phased array that allows performance to be maintained in a more compact space. The device retains the same Catapult SoC as the previous model and remains GPS-compatible, with explicit support for on-the-go use, making it a preferred choice for vehicles, boats, and RVs.
Fewer antenna elements, but optimized
The reduction in antenna elements hasn't compromised basic connectivity. The Starlink Mini 2 maintains its ability to provide satellite internet on the go , a key feature for frequent travelers. However, the inclusion of an internal battery has necessitated adjustments to power consumption. The average equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) drops slightly from 27,57 dBW to 27,4 dBW, a minor change. More significant is the drastic reduction in the transmission duty cycle, which falls from 75% to 11%. This means the device spends more time in standby mode to conserve battery power, which can result in slower data uploads during extended transfers. Kutkov attributes this change to the new power budget: with the antenna powered by an internal battery, saving energy takes priority over maximizing upload speed.
The battery comes at a price: reduced climbing performance
To compensate for transmission limitations, SpaceX has raised the device's thermal thresholds. The MAC thermal limiting limits have increased from 79°C and 83°C to 95°C and 99°C , while the battery's thermal shutdown point is set at 80°C. This allows the Mini 2 to operate in more extreme conditions without losing stability, a noticeable advantage in hot climates or during prolonged exposure to sunlight. Despite these changes, the device maintains the same portability and battery life philosophy that has characterized the Mini line since its inception.
Availability and coexistence with the previous model
Mass production of the Starlink Mini 2, identified as mini2_prod1, has already begun, which typically precedes the opening of pre-orders. SpaceX has not confirmed a launch date or price , but all indications suggest the announcement could come in the next few weeks. It is likely that both models, the original Mini and the Mini 2, will coexist in the product lineup, as the former offers higher upload speeds while the latter prioritizes battery life thanks to its internal battery. For European users, and especially those in Spain, the arrival of the Mini 2 could represent a real alternative to traditional internet connections in rural areas or while traveling, although we will have to wait for SpaceX to confirm its availability in the European market.
In short, the Starlink Mini 2 represents a step forward in satellite internet portability, sacrificing some upload speed in exchange for much-needed power independence . With a more compact design, integrated battery, and greater thermal tolerance, the new device is shaping up to be the preferred option for those who need reliable connectivity far from the power grid, whether in a camper van, on a boat, or in a remote area. The ball is now in SpaceX's court to confirm the specifications and, above all, the price and launch date.
