SpaceX has unveiled the Starlink Mini 2, marking the first time the portable satellite terminal includes an integrated, swappable battery for true off-grid use. The device features a 71 Wh removable battery that provides up to 4.5 hours of connectivity on a single charge and attaches via a tool-free quick-release mechanism; users can hot-swap depleted batteries or power the dish continuously via 60W USB-C.

The terminal weighs 1.6 kg with the battery and kickstand attached, connects to the internet in approximately 60 seconds, and includes a physical power button and LED status indicators.

Key hardware upgrades over the original Mini include a slimmer design, Wi-Fi 6 support extending coverage to 167 square meters, and an IP67 durability rating for dust and water resistance. While the original Mini required external power banks, the Mini 2 eliminates this dependency, though spare batteries are expected to be sold separately for about $50.

Availability is currently limited to an invitation-only preorder in the United States at $999, which bundles the hardware with 12 months of Roam Unlimited service (valued at $2,100). 

Reports from Israeli media outlets describe a heated telephone conversation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu over the weekend of which sources characterized as a "shouting match from hell." The dispute centered on a sharp strategic divergence: the PM is persistently urging the immediate resumption of military strikes against Iran to achieve regime change, while Trump is prioritizing ongoing diplomatic negotiations and economic pressure.

The tension follows reports of of daily lobbying by Netanyahu, who argues that dismantling Iran’s nuclear capability requires toppling the current regime, whereas Trump has stated he sees no reason to restart military operations.

Netanyahu’s office strongly denied the confrontational characterization, dismissing the reports as "fake news" and "complete nonsense," while a senior Israeli official acknowledged the call occurred but insisted it was not difficult. 

The reported clash coincides with renewed diplomatic efforts, including reports that Vice President JD Vance is considering talks with secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei. Trump also recently indicated that a new offensive is "quite unlikely," a stance supported by Gulf allies like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, who have urged the U.S. to prioritize diplomacy over further escalation in the region.

SpaceX has signed a major supply contract with German equipment manufacturer SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES to build heterojunction (HJT) solar cell production lines at its Bastrop, Texas facility. The initial turnkey production line, valued at over $69 million, is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2027.

This agreement is part of a broader strategic partnership aimed at scaling manufacturing capacity to support more than 100 GW of production equipment annually for SpaceX’s Starmind satellite constellation, which CEO Elon Musk has described as a plan to create a "sentient sun" for orbital AI computing.

"SpaceX has ordered 100 GW/year of HJT solar manufacturing equipment from Singulus in Germany," Musk wrote on X. "This is for Starmind to create a sentient sun."

SINGULUS will provide a complete turnkey production line for high-efficiency HJT solar cells, which combine crystalline and amorphous silicon layers.

All solar cell production will take place at SpaceX’s Gigasat facility in Bastrop, Texas, establishing a vertically integrated manufacturing path for the Starmind satellites.

The partnership began in March 2026, with SpaceX providing significant financial funding to SINGULUS in both March and October 2026, including through a subordinated secured loan.

While the first line is confirmed for first half of 2027, SINGULUS plans to supply multiple additional lines to meet the 100 GW annual equipment target as satellite production accelerates.

The Starmind program involves a constellation of satellites designed to carry heavy computing payloads that run AI workloads in orbit, powered by solar energy generated directly in space.

Musk clarified on X that the 100 GW/year figure refers to the capacity of the manufacturing equipment rather than the electricity generated, signaling an ambition to produce hundreds of thousands of satellites.

The solar arrays are a critical component, as they reportedly constitute most of the mass of each Starmind satellite, making domestic cell production essential for supply chain durability.