SpaceX Starlink FCC Approval 2026: The Race for 15,000 Satellites
SpaceX has secured FCC approval to launch 7,500 more Gen2 Starlink satellites, bringing the total to 15,000. Discover the new 2028 deadlines and regulatory waivers.
There'll soon be 15,000 satellites circling the globe. According to The Verge, the FCC gave SpaceX the green light last Friday to launch an additional 7,500Gen2 Starlink satellites. This effectively doubles the company's approved orbital fleet.
SpaceX Starlink FCC Approval and Capacity Boost
The approval comes with a major regulatory shift. The government is waiving previous restrictions that once prohibited overlapping coverage. This change is designed to enhance capacity and provide more reliable high-speed internet globally. While SpaceX originally pushed for 30,000 satellites, the FCC is keeping a tighter leash for now, capping the total at around 15,000.
The 2028 Deadline for Gen2 Deployment
Time's ticking for the aerospace giant. The mandate requires that 50% of these Gen2 satellites must be operational by December 1st, 2028. The remaining half must be in orbit by December 2031. It's a massive logistical challenge that'll test the limits of SpaceX's rapid launch capabilities.
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