SpaceX has been granted authorization by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, increasing the total number of approved Gen2 satellites to 15,000.
The FCC announced today that this move will allow SpaceX to expand its capacity to deliver high-speed, low-latency Internet services globally. This includes enhanced mobile and supplemental coverage from space.
Initially, the FCC approved the deployment of 7,500 Gen2 satellites in December 2022 but deferred complete approval to address orbital debris and space safety concerns. The initial batch was limited to specific altitudes until these issues could be assessed.
According to today's order, SpaceX now has permission to upgrade its Gen2 Starlink satellites with advanced designs and technology. The satellites will operate over various frequency bands, including Ku-, Ka-, V-, E-, and W-band, to support both Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) and Mobile Satellite Service (MSS). Additionally, the FCC has waived outdated rules that previously restricted overlapping beam coverage and enhanced capacity and has allowed the inclusion of new orbital shells at altitudes between 340 km and 485 km to maximize coverage and performance.
This development follows SpaceX’s recent announcement regarding plans to lower around 4,400 of its existing satellites from an altitude of 341 miles (550 kilometers) to 298 miles (480 kilometers) by 2026. This maneuver aims to increase space safety by positioning the satellites in regions with less orbital debris.
While the initial 2022 approval did not include mobile services, the FCC decided in November 2024 that these satellites could be used to provide Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) in the U.S. Starlink’s mobile system aims to deliver connectivity to smartphones in regions lacking terrestrial network coverage.