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 enhance its high-speed, low-latency internet service globally, including improved mobile and supplemental coverage from space. The initial authorization for 7,500 satellites was granted 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 designs and cutting-edge technology. These next-generation satellites are designed to improve upon the existing Starlink network, offering increased bandwidth and reduced latency. The Gen2 satellites incorporate advancements in phased array antennas, allowing for more efficient use of spectrum and improved signal quality. They also include optical interlinks, enabling data to be relayed between satellites in orbit, reducing the reliance on ground stations and further decreasing latency.

The expansion of the Starlink constellation is expected to have a significant impact on the satellite internet industry. With a larger constellation, SpaceX aims to provide more consistent and reliable service to a wider range of customers, particularly in underserved areas where terrestrial internet infrastructure is limited. The company also plans to offer enhanced mobile connectivity, potentially enabling seamless internet access on moving vehicles, such as airplanes and ships.

The FCC's decision reflects a growing emphasis on space safety and sustainability. The agency has been working to develop regulations and guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with orbital debris and ensure the long-term viability of space activities. As part of its approval process, the FCC considered SpaceX's plans for debris mitigation, including the use of onboard propulsion systems to deorbit satellites at the end of their operational lives.

The launch schedule for the additional 7,500 satellites has not yet been announced. SpaceX will need to coordinate with regulatory authorities and secure launch slots to deploy the satellites into their designated orbits. The company is expected to utilize its Falcon 9 rockets for the launches, deploying multiple satellites per mission to efficiently build out the constellation.