SpaceX Gets Green Light to Launch 7,500 More Starlink Satellites, Bringing Total to 15,000.
In a significant move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted permission to SpaceX to launch another 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing the total number of authorized satellites to 15,000. The approval is part of an expanded authorization that allows SpaceX to deploy these new satellites worldwide, providing high-speed, low-latency internet services globally.
The FCC's decision comes after a lengthy review process, during which concerns over orbital debris and space safety were addressed by limiting the initial batch of satellites to certain altitudes. However, with today's order, SpaceX is now allowed to upgrade its Gen2 Starlink satellites with advanced technology and operate across various frequency bands, supporting both fixed satellite service and mobile satellite service.
The new authorization also enables SpaceX to add new orbital shells at different altitudes, optimizing coverage and performance. This move comes as part of a broader strategy by SpaceX to expand its internet services, including Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) in the US, which provides mobile connectivity to smartphones in areas not covered by terrestrial networks.
The approval has been met with opposition from other satellite firms, including Viasat and Globalstar, which have filed petitions to deny the application. However, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has expressed support for SpaceX's expansion, citing the need to ensure that no community is left behind and to strengthen competition in the satellite broadband market.
With this latest authorization, Starlink will be able to provide both fixed and mobile services from all 15,000 second-generation satellites, marking a significant step forward for SpaceX's ambitious plans to democratize access to internet connectivity worldwide.
In a significant move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted permission to SpaceX to launch another 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing the total number of authorized satellites to 15,000. The approval is part of an expanded authorization that allows SpaceX to deploy these new satellites worldwide, providing high-speed, low-latency internet services globally.
The FCC's decision comes after a lengthy review process, during which concerns over orbital debris and space safety were addressed by limiting the initial batch of satellites to certain altitudes. However, with today's order, SpaceX is now allowed to upgrade its Gen2 Starlink satellites with advanced technology and operate across various frequency bands, supporting both fixed satellite service and mobile satellite service.
The new authorization also enables SpaceX to add new orbital shells at different altitudes, optimizing coverage and performance. This move comes as part of a broader strategy by SpaceX to expand its internet services, including Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) in the US, which provides mobile connectivity to smartphones in areas not covered by terrestrial networks.
The approval has been met with opposition from other satellite firms, including Viasat and Globalstar, which have filed petitions to deny the application. However, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has expressed support for SpaceX's expansion, citing the need to ensure that no community is left behind and to strengthen competition in the satellite broadband market.
With this latest authorization, Starlink will be able to provide both fixed and mobile services from all 15,000 second-generation satellites, marking a significant step forward for SpaceX's ambitious plans to democratize access to internet connectivity worldwide.
I'm so stoked about this news! I mean, think about it - we're talking about 15,000+ satellites that can bring super fast and reliable internet to the whole world 
! It's like, finally, we can say goodbye to those sketchy wifi connections at our fave cafes and hello to seamless online experiences everywhere 
️
. And with this expansion, people in rural areas are gonna get a major boost, too 
. Sure, there might be some naysayers out there (I mean, those other satellite firms 
), but I think it's awesome that the FCC is all about giving SpaceX the green light to make their vision a reality 
. This is the future of internet, folks! 
I'm low-key surprised they got the green light 
. Those satellite folks are gonna have some serious competition now 
. But let's be real, Starlink has been on fire 
and it's hard to deny Elon's vision for global internet access. It's like, we're 2025 and still got a lot of areas that can't get decent wifi 
. Maybe this is the push we need to finally get everyone online 
. Just hope they do something about all that orbital debris 
, we don't wanna have to deal with that in the future 
. i also wonder whats gonna happen when all these satelites get old and break apart 
.
But seriously, I do think it's cool that SpaceX is trying to make internet access more accessible. It's like, the whole world can benefit from having some decent Wi-Fi 
But hey, at least there's going to be some good drama for the tech folks to squabble over 
.
I'm actually kinda stoked about this one! 15,000 new Starlink satellites might seem like a lot, but think about it - it means more people around the world are gonna get super fast and reliable internet for the first time ever 
. Plus, SpaceX is basically pushing the boundaries of what's possible with space tech 
!
but at the same time, can you imagine having internet from anywhere? even in rural areas? it sounds like a total game changer 
doesn't sound good
And they're getting approved for even more? That's like, a dream come true for people who need internet access worldwide.