SpaceX receives FCC approval for satellite-based Starlink broadband network

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX’s ambitious plan to launch thousands of satellites into orbit and operate a satellite-based broadband network called Starlink. However, so far only 4,425 of the 12,000-odd satellites proposed have been licensed. The remaining satellites will require separate certification at a later date because they are located at lower altitudes and operate on different radio frequencies than the approved group.

Falcon Heavy, which successfully launched last month, placed two of its planned 12,000 satellites into orbit for testing purposes after receiving FCC approval. Once fully operational, this network is expected to bring high-speed internet to people in rural America who have limited or no access to fiber networks.

Today’s Falcon launch carries two SpaceX test satellites for global broadband. If successful, the Starlink constellation will become the least serviced service.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 21, 2018

Meanwhile, one of the preconditions for SpaceX’s license is that it must launch at least half of the proposed number of satellites in the next six years, or the license could become invalid. There is enough. According to the FCC, “SpaceX must launch 50 percent of the maximum number of proposed space stations, place them in their assigned orbits, and operate them according to their station authorizations by March 29, 2024. ”.

However, plans to launch thousands of satellites have also been criticized, with existing satellite operators such as OneWeb and Spire questioning its feasibility in terms of spectrum availability. There are also questions about the availability of orbital space and the increasing amount of orbital debris that will require extensive mitigation and cleanup plans.

As a result, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel also appeared to warn against “rushing the development of new space opportunities,” saying such programs would require new rules. According to her, “Despite the revolutionary activity occurring in our atmosphere, the regulatory frameworks we rely on to shape these efforts are outdated. Collectively, we We need to prepare for a proliferation of high-altitude satellites. In short, we have a job to do.”