Satellite internet provider Starlink offers uncharged service following catastrophic floods in Texas
In the aftermath of the catastrophic flash floods that hit Central Texas on July 6, 2025, leaving at least 67 people dead and dozens still missing, SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service has proven to be a vital lifeline for emergency response teams and affected residents.
As traditional communication infrastructure such as cell towers and fibre lines were destroyed or rendered inoperative by the floods, first responders and search-and-rescue teams faced significant challenges coordinating their efforts, particularly in the hardest-hit areas along the Guadalupe River.
To address this critical communications gap, Starlink deployed its newly released Mini satellite terminals to emergency teams and vehicles. These portable, suitcase-sized units, each weighing under 3 kg and fitting in a backpack, can be powered by a vehicle’s inverter or a small generator. They are designed to self-align with Starlink’s low Earth orbit constellation in under two minutes, allowing teams to restore high-speed internet access in disaster zones rapidly.
This rapid deployment enabled teams to ensure continuous coordination, information sharing, and access to real-time data—features that were essential for efficient search-and-rescue operations. Additionally, Starlink offered one month of free service to thousands of affected customers in the region, including those who had previously paused their subscriptions. This initiative enabled residents with power or the ability to use battery packs to reactivate their own Starlink systems, helping them stay in touch with relatives, access weather updates, and receive real-time evacuation alerts.
Starlink's involvement in disaster relief is not new. Previously, the service has provided connectivity for hospitals and relief centers after hurricanes in Florida, supported disaster response after earthquakes in Japan, and maintained communications amid network disruptions in Germany and conflict zones such as Ukraine. In the context of the July 2025 Central Texas floods, Starlink’s contributions were widely recognized as lifesaving, demonstrating the service’s capacity to ensure vital communications when terrestrial networks are unavailable.
Additional Mini kits are being staged at a makeshift operations hub near Kerrville Municipal Airport, ready for dispatch to "dead zones" where first responders encounter difficulties. The company has not specified how long the free-service window for the affected region will last. However, the initiative underscores the importance of reliable connectivity for both emergency response and community resilience during disasters.
In the realm of environmental science and disaster management, Starlink's rapid deployment of portable satellite terminals has proven pivotal, as it offers a resilient technology alternative for communication when terrestrial networks are compromised, such as during the 2025 Central Texas floods. Furthermore, the integration of space and astronomy technology, specifically Starlink's low Earth orbit constellation, empowers the their suitcase-sized terminals to self-align quickly and reinforce the system's capacity in crises like these.
