The FCC is allowing SpaceX to launch an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites

The FCC has approved SpaceX’s plan to launch a rocket An additional 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites Friday. This brings the total number of satellites that the company will deploy in orbit to about 15,000 satellites around the world. As part of the approval, the government is also waiving previous requirements that prevented overlapping coverage and enhanced capabilities.

SpaceX originally sought approval for 30,000 satellites, but currently, the FCC is giving the green light to only 15,000. The company will be on a deadline as well. The government says 50% of Gen2 satellites should be launched and operational by December 1, 2028, with the rest to follow by December 2031. But the company He seems very satisfied With the result. Musk and management had a Very general Falling earlier this year, but it appears that X’s owner has mended that relationship.

The presence of so many new satellites in orbit is likely to raise concerns from astronomers who have complained about them Light pollutionAs well as increasing concerns about Space junk and Orbital collisions. (The company already had to do this.) Lowering the orbit (several of its satellites earlier this year to reduce the risk of collisions.) But the promise of direct cell connectivity outside the US, as well as Internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, appears to have won out.