SpaceX has more than 3,000 Starlink satellites in LEO for its broadband network. The FCC partially approved SpaceX’s application to operate its second-generation satellite constellation. SpaceX got the go-ahead to launch another 7,500 of nearly 30,000 satellites for its Starlink broadband network.
SpaceX has approval to operate the Gen2 satellites at three altitudes between 326 miles and 332 miles using frequencies in the Ku- and Ka-band. The FCC said its action “will allow SpaceX to begin deployment of Gen2 Starlink, which will bring next generation satellite broadband to Americans nationwide, including those living and working in areas traditionally unserved or underserved by terrestrial systems. Our action also will enable worldwide satellite broadband service, helping to close the digital divide on a global scale.”
The Commission is deferring action on the remainder of SpaceX’s application concerning the company’s proposed use of E-band frequencies and tracking beacons. It said the limited grant and conditions “will protect other satellite and terrestrial operators from harmful interference and maintain a safe space environment, promoting competition and protecting spectrum and orbital resources for future use.”
To protect other constellations from orbital debris and geostationary satellite orbit space stations from harmful interference, the Commission stipulated that SpaceX must report its mitigation actions taken to avoid collisions in space and coordinate and collaborate with NASA to ensure continued availability of launch windows and on other matters. It must pause deployment of new satellites if satellite failures (meaning those that lose maneuverability and therefore fail to complete post-mission disposal) exceed a certain threshold.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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