SpaceX received authorization from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today to launch an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites. This approval brings SpaceX's total authorization to 15,000 Gen2 satellites, including those previously approved in December 2022.
The FCC's announcement detailed that this expansion will enable SpaceX to broaden its high-speed, low-latency internet service globally, with enhancements planned for mobile and supplemental coverage from space. The initial approval for 7,500 satellites came with restrictions on altitude, as the FCC sought to address concerns regarding orbital debris and space safety.
According to the FCC, today's order allows SpaceX to upgrade the Gen2 Starlink satellites with advanced form factors and cutting-edge technology. The Gen2 satellites are designed with several key improvements over the first-generation Starlink models. These include more advanced phased array antennas for increased bandwidth and spectral efficiency, as well as optical inter-satellite links to reduce reliance on ground stations and improve network latency. The satellites also incorporate more efficient power systems and advanced propulsion for precise orbital positioning and deorbiting at the end of their operational lives.
The approval marks a significant step for SpaceX's Starlink program, which aims to provide global internet coverage using a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). The expansion is expected to have a substantial impact on the satellite internet industry, potentially increasing competition and driving innovation.
Industry analysts note that the increased capacity from the Gen2 satellites will allow SpaceX to serve more customers and offer higher data speeds. This is particularly important in rural and underserved areas where terrestrial internet infrastructure is limited or unavailable. The enhanced mobile and supplemental coverage from space also has the potential to provide connectivity to remote regions and during emergencies.
The FCC's decision to approve the additional satellites reflects a growing confidence in SpaceX's ability to address concerns about orbital debris and space safety. SpaceX has implemented several measures to mitigate these risks, including automated collision avoidance systems and deorbiting procedures for satellites at the end of their lifespan.
The deployment of the additional 7,500 satellites is expected to take several years, as SpaceX continues to launch Starlink missions on a regular basis. The company has not yet announced a specific timeline for the completion of the Gen2 constellation.
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