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 authorized Gen2 satellite count to 15,000 worldwide.
The FCC's decision allows SpaceX to proceed with expanding its Starlink constellation, which aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet service globally. The expanded network will also support enhanced mobile and supplemental coverage from space. According to the FCC, this latest authorization enables SpaceX to upgrade its Gen2 Starlink satellites with advanced designs and technologies.
The FCC initially granted SpaceX permission for the first 7,500 Gen2 satellites in December 2022. However, 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 initial batch to specific altitudes until these issues were addressed.
Starlink satellites utilize phased array antennas to transmit signals to ground-based user terminals. The Gen2 satellites incorporate advancements in antenna technology and signal processing, which are expected to improve network capacity and reduce latency. The satellites also feature optical interlinks, enabling them to communicate with each other in orbit and reduce reliance on ground stations.
The expansion of the Starlink constellation is expected to have a significant impact on the satellite internet industry. With a larger network, SpaceX can offer higher bandwidth and lower latency to a broader customer base. This could potentially disrupt traditional internet service providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited.
SpaceX's Starlink program is not without its critics. Astronomers have raised concerns about the potential for satellite constellations to interfere with astronomical observations. The brightness of the satellites can create streaks in images captured by telescopes, making it more difficult to study the cosmos. SpaceX has implemented measures to reduce the reflectivity of its satellites, but the issue remains a subject of ongoing debate.
The FCC's approval of the additional 7,500 Starlink satellites represents a significant step forward for SpaceX's ambitions in the satellite internet market. The company is expected to begin launching the newly authorized satellites in the coming months, further expanding its global network coverage.
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