[DennisP]

As an independent company it wouldn't, but as part of SpaceX, Starlink is meant to provide funding for Starship, which has a lot to do with space exploration. Not only Mars trips but anything anyone else wants to do at $50/kg to LEO.

[dylan604]

What is the goal of SpaceX to be the ones actually doing the exploring, or just hiring themselves to be the means to which others can do the exploring? If the latter, then the hiring of SpaceX should be the source of funding. If the former, then they are going to be needing a helluva lot more cash than monthly subscription fees for internet service will ever provide.

As a sidebar/tangent, I see SpaceX/Starlink being the first company to actually get close to putting their Adams-esque customer service department on a different heavenly body than earth. "For all Starlink service requests, please visit our offices in person. Our offices are conveniently located in the Sea of Tranquility, practically visible to everyone one most nights."