Those US-made laptops BlueChip is building may get Starlink-like antennas, too

Published Oct 27, 2026, 10:12 PM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Summary Anduril and Qualcomm launch BlueChip laptops, with 90% of the cost using US and allied parts. BlueChip's replaceable top shell could house flat phased-array antennas for Starlink-like satellite links. Built for government, defense, and first responders; may bring satellite-ready consumer laptops later. In case you missed it, Anduril and Qualcomm announced earlier today that they were entering a partnership to create a range of laptops using US production lines. The range is called BlueChip, and while it's not wholly produced on US soil for the time being, 90% of the cost comes from American and Allied-made parts, with a goal to raise it to 100% eventually. Now, one of Anduril's co-founders, Palmer Luckey, has hinted that they may also get an antenna that can connect to satellite services like Starlink. Palmer Luckey hints that BlueChip may get Starlink-like antennas It's not a guarantee, but it is promising As spotted by PCMag, Luckey presented a video on the Anduril Industries YouTube account. Titled "BlueChip: Rebuilding American Computer Manufacturing," Luckey details how the BlueChip is made out of metals that America "knows how to extract, knows how to refine, knows how to process, and knows how to mill at scale at a reasonable price." Part of the design is that the laptop should survive harsh conditions, and Luckey explains how the BlueChip achieves that: "And so what we've designed is a chassis that makes it very, very easy to replace the bottom shell and even the top shell, which you can easily integrate things like, uh, solar panels, other soft goods, other service insignias, even things like flat phased array antennas directly into the laptop itself." Take note of that last item he listed: flat phased array antennas. They're used to connect to satellite internet networks like Starlink, which means that, down the road, these laptops could potentially support a top-shell attachment that connects straight to orbit. Of course, they may not actually use Starlink specifically, but it's still pretty exciting. It makes a ton of sense, as Anduril and Qualcomm hope to get these laptops to people working in "government, defense, first responders, and public safety," where losing internet connection is simply not an option. However, if BlueChip ever decides to go into consumer tech, we may get laptops with antennas that connect directly to satellites.