A new Tesla patent hints at the possibility of future models receiving a direct satellite connection via built-in antennas in the roof. According to a US patent application, an external roof panel made of radio-transmissive materials is described, which would allow the integration of various electronic modules, including satellite dishes.
The patent states that these modules could communicate with devices outside the vehicle, including navigation satellites, and among the optional components a “satellite antenna” is mentioned as part of the structure. Although there is no direct mention of the Starlink service or SpaceX in the document, such a solution immediately started speculation. Currently, some users, especially in the RV segment, manually install Starlink equipment on vehicles to get Internet access on the go.
Tesla is developing a roof structure that enables Starlink satellite communication
The roof structure from the patent includes a signal coverage field for connecting to GPS navigation satellite systems, as well as receiving mobile signals such as LTE. The patent was filed in May 2024 and published on December 4, 2025.
Today’s Tesla models already use cellular antennas for Premium Connectivity features. However, SpaceX is developing a mobile version of the Starlink service for phones in parallel, after buying important radio frequencies from EchoStar and applying for the “Starlink Mobile” trademark. Because of this, it was speculated that Tesla could become the first car manufacturer with a basic package of Starlink equipment in vehicles.
The application additionally shows the integrated “antenna module” inside the roof structure, emphasizing that this design enables uninterrupted communication with networks and satellites. Whether a future Tesla vehicle will actually get built-in Starlink remains to be seen, but the patent shows that the company is actively preparing for such a possibility.