November 13, 2024

This Week in Amateur Radio

North America's Premiere Amateur Radio News Magazine

FCC authorizes SpaceX to begin deploying up to 7,500 next-generation Starlink satellites

The Federal Communications Commission issued a key authorization to Elon Musk’s SpaceX on Thursday, granting approval for the company to move forward with launching up to 7,500 next-generation satellites in its Starlink internet network.

“Our action will allow SpaceX to begin deployment of Gen 2 Starlink,” the FCC wrote in the order.

The FCC did not grant SpaceX’s full application, which included deployment of nearly 30,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, and it placed some conditions on the company’s plan to deploy the satellites. It deferred decision on the application to launch the full number.

The FCC imposed a limit on the number of satellites in SpaceX’s second-generation of the Starlink constellation, also known as Gen2, in order “to address concerns about orbital debris and space safety.”

Read more – CNBC: