- SpaceX can launch another 7,500 Starlink satellites
- It means 15,000 Gen2 models will be in orbit
- The satellites must all be in the sky by December 2031
SpaceX currently has 7,500 Starlink Gen2 satellites in orbit and has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch an additional 7,500, bringing the total to 15,000.
This announcement was made by FCC chairman Brendan Carr (via Wccftech), who stated that this decision will facilitate "even better, faster, and more advanced internet services in the country".
Connecting to a Gen2 satellite through a Starlink dish promises higher capacities and lower latencies compared to the first-generation models. The new satellites feature a 20x increase in throughput and improved connectivity.
Additionally, the FCC has granted SpaceX permission to operate its Starlink satellites across a broader range of frequencies and in more orbital configurations, enhancing service reliability and speed.
Safety Measures
Concerns have been raised regarding the increasing congestion in Earth's atmosphere, as SpaceX initially aimed to deploy nearly 30,000 Gen2 satellites in 2020. The FCC now deems it safe to increase from 7,500 to 15,000 satellites.
Notably, SpaceX has recently lowered the altitude of 4,400 of its satellites to mitigate collision risks with other satellites and space objects, including the International Space Station.
This adjustment likely influenced the FCC's recent decision. The additional satellites will also enable Starlink to provide direct-to-cell connectivity outside the US, in partnership with T-Mobile.
According to the FCC, half of the newly approved satellites must be launched and operational by December 1, 2028, with the remaining half required to be in place by December 2031, meaning improvements in service may take some time to materialize.
