Elon Musk Aims to Launch 30,000 Starlink Satellites via Starship
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has submitted a proposal to the FCC to deploy nearly 30,000 satellites for its second-generation Starlink network, significantly increasing its current authorization of 7,500 satellites. The new plan includes utilizing additional radio spectrum and operating at lower altitudes, with the goal of reducing latency to below 20 milliseconds. This expansion aims to enhance global internet coverage and capacity. However, the proposal may face scrutiny from regulators and astronomers concerned about orbital congestion and interference. If approved, the expanded Starlink network could revolutionize global communications and provide high-speed internet to remote areas.
SpaceX has submitted an ambitious proposal to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to significantly expand its Starlink satellite network. The company is seeking approval to deploy nearly 29,988 satellites for its second-generation Starlink system, a substantial increase from the current authorization of 7,500 satellites.
This recent filing builds on SpaceX’s previous requests to enhance its second-generation Starlink network by utilizing additional radio spectrum and operating satellites at lower altitudes to improve performance. Specifically, SpaceX plans to operate satellites between 480 and 530 kilometers above Earth, leveraging E-band frequencies.
In a noteworthy shift, the latest proposal also suggests even lower orbits, ranging from 340 to 365 kilometers. This initiative aligns with CEO Elon Musk’s objective to reduce Starlink’s latency to under 20 milliseconds, which could revolutionize satellite internet services.
This expansion mirrors SpaceX’s initial request for its second-generation network, which was considerably scaled back by the FCC in 2022. If granted, this massive constellation has the potential to significantly enhance global internet coverage and capacity.
Musk has stressed the critical role of SpaceX’s Starship rocket in achieving this vision, considering it a pivotal advancement in humanity’s ability to harness more solar power through sophisticated space-based infrastructure.
However, the proposal is expected to attract scrutiny from regulators, astronomers, and other satellite operators who are concerned about orbital congestion and possible interference with scientific research. The FCC will need to carefully evaluate the potential benefits of enhanced global connectivity against these concerns.
If approved and successfully implemented, the expanded Starlink network could transform global communications and provide high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas. As the FCC reviews this ambitious proposal, industry observers and competitors will be closely monitoring how regulators strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring the sustainable use of Earth’s orbital environment.