SpaceX Got Approval To Launch Over 7,000 Satellites Into Space

We may see more SpaceX’s satellites sent to space.

On Thursday, SpaceX got permission from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy and operate more than 7,000 satellites within the very low Earth orbit. FCC said that SpaceX will add more frequency bands to its current satellites.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch

Starlink, a program of SpaceX, involves using satellites in very low Earth orbit to upgrade internet connectivity, especially in remote areas and rural places that have little or no access to the Internet. With this approval, SpaceX can cover more areas in America and worldwide with high-speed broadband. This permission takes effect for nine years.

Ajit Pai, FCC Chairman, expressed his excitement to witness what these satellites will bring about. According to Pai, this approval follows the Commission’s basic approach, which is promoting private entities to make investment and innovations as well as allowing market forces to bring values to American consumers.

Low-Earth orbit

Back in February, SpaceX sent two satellite models on one of the Falcon 9 rockets. In its request to FCC, the company said that it will take 800 satellites to cover the US and globally. More satellites mean full coverage and larger broadband capacity across the world.

In March, Elon Musk’s space firm got approval from FCC to provide satellite broadband services worldwide. That was also the first time a US licensed satellite constellation got approved of providing broadband coverage with a new technology generation of low Earth orbit satellite. SpaceX was approved to launch 4,425 satellites.

Not just Elon Musk’s firm, Telesat Canada, LeoSat MA, and Kepler Communications were also permitted to provide broadband services to the US.

SpaceX, which stands for Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, was founded by Elon Musk in 2002. The company, specializing in space research, has launched several rockets into space, including the Falcon 1, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. The company is bringing astronauts into space in 2019 when it gets the permission.