The Federal Communications Fee announced Friday that it has given SpaceX approval to launch one other 7,500 of its second era Starlink satellites, for a complete of 15,000 satellites worldwide.
Past merely permitting SpaceX to launch extra satellites and develop its high-speed web protection, the FCC says its determination additionally means Starlink satellites can function throughout 5 frequencies and to offer direct-to-cell connectivity outdoors the USA, together with supplemental protection within the U.S.
Reuters studies that SpaceX had requested approval for an extra 15,000 satellites, however the FCC stated it will “defer authorization of the remaining 14,988 proposed Gen2 Starlink satellites.”
SpaceX should launch 50% of the permitted Starlink satellites by December 1, 2028, and the remaining 50% by December 2031, the FCC says.
