The FCC has granted SpaceX approval to launch an additional 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites, a monumental step forward for the company’s orbital ambitions. This latest authorization brings the total number of satellites SpaceX is permitted to deploy to 15,000 for its second-generation constellation.
This expansion is critical for upgrading the network’s capacity. By utilizing these newer, more advanced satellites, SpaceX aims to address the growing waiting list for Starlink internet service. The Gen2 satellites are designed to utilize higher frequency bands, promising faster speeds and lower latency even in densely populated areas previously constrained by bandwidth limitations.
While the approval is a victory, it is conditional; the FCC deferred a decision on the remainder of SpaceX’s original application to launch nearly 30,000 satellites. This regulatory green light ensures Starlink maintains its competitive edge against emerging competitors like Amazon’s Project Kuiper, solidifying its dominance in the global low-Earth orbit (LEO) internet market.
Leave a Reply