SpaceX may launch another 7518 internet satellites into orbit

The US telecom regulator, the Federal Communications Commission, has given the green light for the launch of another 7518 internet satellites from SpaceX. These should eventually form the Starlink network and offer broadband internet worldwide.

The FCC’s approval is for the launch of a total of 7,518 satellites, using the V-band ranging from 40 to 75 GHz. These satellites have to operate at very low altitudes; they orbit the Earth at altitudes between 335 and 346 kilometers.

The FCC has also authorized SpaceX to use the frequencies of 37.5 to 42GHz and 47.2 to 50.2GHz; applicable to the previous approval for 4425 satellites. These 4425 satellites also use the Ka band with frequencies between 26.5 and 40GHz and the Ku band, which covers frequencies between 12 and 18GHz.

The original plan to fly these 4425 satellites at altitudes of about 1100 to 1300km is likely to be partially modified. SpaceX has also requested permission to operate 1584 of these 4425 satellites at an altitude of 550 kilometers. Orbiting closer to Earth has advantages in terms of latency and the power required to transmit the signals, but also means that the satellites will burn up faster in the atmosphere.

The network will eventually be formed by about 12,000 satellites. SpaceX plans to launch the first satellites in 2019; so far, only two test satellites for the internet satellite network have been launched. The company cannot rest on its laurels when it comes to launching these satellites. By March 29, 2024, SpaceX should have half of its satellites operational. The other half must be operational by 29 March 2027.