The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States has approved SpaceX’s application to deploy an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites. As a result, the total authorized number of network satellites will reach 15,000. The regulator also allowed the company to upgrade satellites, operate in five frequency bands simultaneously, and removed restrictions that were hindering coverage overlap and capacity growth. The agency stated that additional satellites will provide direct connectivity with cellular networks outside the U.S. and extended U.S. coverage, enabling next-generation mobile services and internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
“This FCC authorization fundamentally changes the game and will enable the implementation of next-generation services,” said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. “By approving the launch of 15,000 new and advanced satellites, the FCC has given SpaceX the green light to provide unprecedented satellite broadband capabilities, enhance competition, and ensure that no community is left behind.”
Photo Starlink
Starlink by Elon Musk is now available in 155 countries for 3.2 billion people.
SpaceX requested permission to launch nearly 30,000 satellites, but the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stated that it currently approves only 15,000. The company is required to launch 50% of the second-generation satellites and put them into operation by December 1, 2028, and complete the deployment by December 2031. Currently, Starlink already has about 9,400 satellites and remains the world’s largest satellite internet operator. On December 19, it became known that a gas release from a fuel tank occurred on the satellite, accompanied by the separation of a small amount of debris at low relative velocity.
