SpaceX received authorization from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today to launch an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites. This approval brings the company'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, including enhanced mobile and supplemental coverage from space. The initial grant for the first 7,500 satellites was issued in December 2022, but the agency deferred action on the remaining portion of the second-generation constellation at that time. Concerns regarding orbital debris and space safety prompted the FCC to limit the first batch to specific altitudes until these issues were addressed.
According to the FCC, today's order permits SpaceX to upgrade the Gen2 Starlink satellites with advanced form factors and cutting-edge technology. These upgrades are expected to enhance the satellites' capabilities and improve the overall performance of the Starlink network. The Gen2 satellites incorporate advancements in antenna technology, allowing for more efficient use of spectrum and increased data throughput. They also include improved propulsion systems for precise orbital maneuvering and deorbiting at the end of their operational life, mitigating the risk of space debris.
The Starlink network aims to provide internet access to underserved areas around the world, particularly in rural and remote locations where traditional internet infrastructure is limited or unavailable. By utilizing a large constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink can deliver high-speed internet with low latency, making it suitable for applications such as video conferencing, online gaming, and streaming.
The deployment of these additional satellites is expected to have a significant impact on the satellite internet industry. With a larger constellation, SpaceX can offer greater bandwidth and improved coverage, potentially attracting more customers and increasing competition in the market. The company's focus on developing advanced satellite technology could also spur innovation among other satellite internet providers.
SpaceX has not yet announced a specific timeline for the launch of the additional 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites. However, the company is expected to begin deploying them gradually over the next several years, as it continues to expand its Starlink network and improve its global internet service. The launches will likely utilize SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets, which have been used to deploy the majority of the existing Starlink satellites.
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