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SpaceX's Starlink satellite will initially have 4,425 non-geostationary satellites in orbit around the globe. SpaceX first asked the FCC for permission to develop Starlink in November 2016. The California-based rocket manufacturer has presented plans to expand its satellite constellation between 190 km and 1,111 km above of the earth. But on April 26 this year, the FCC gave SpaceX the power to lower its satellites to an orbit of 550 km.
Starlink's future plans involve placing 7,518 more people in an even lower orbit of about 333.9 km (210 miles).
In total, more than 12,000 Starlink satellites would provide broadband coverage in the most remote areas of the world where Internet access is scarce.
In its April ruling, the FCC stated: "We allow SpaceX to slightly reduce the number of satellites in the constellation in order to operate a significant portion of these satellites at an orbital altitude lower than previously permitted and to include the use of a Ku-band gateway earth station for less than 75 of these low-altitude satellites.
"Granting these changes will allow SpaceX to efficiently use valuable spectral resources in a more secure, fast and cost-effective way, as it will initiate a new generation of broadband services available to customers around the world, including those located in the United States. in previously underserved areas broadband solutions. "
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The US regulator has, however, established ground rules before SpaceX can start sending its satellites in space.
In particular, SpaceX will have to describe the risk of collision of placing objects in a low orbit and demonstrate its ability to avoid collisions with orbital debris and other satellites.
The FCC stated: "We find no reason to defer action on the SpaceX change request as requested by some commentators.
"Our rules do not prohibit SpaceX from choosing an orbital scheme that is also used by other satellite operators, but SpaceX needs to explain in detail how it will prevent potential collisions."
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According to the FCC, the rocket manufacturer has already minimized the risk of collision to a comfortable "zero or near zero" level, thanks to the Starlink design.
Each Starlink satellite will be equipped with a propulsion system allowing SpaceX to "maneuver the satellites to avoid collisions".
In addition, the FCC has expressed concerns about the safety of worn Starlink satellites that collapse on Earth once they are decommissioned.
This involves assessing the threat to human life during the atmospheric reentry.
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The FCC has stated that SpaceX has provided a threat assessment, indicating that the risk of loss of life "meets or exceeds the NASA standard of 1 in 10,000".
In any event, FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel praised SpaceX's willingness to develop new technologies in Earth orbit.
In a statement of March 2018, the US regulator said, "A race to the next generation space is taking place.
"We see business models, actors and technologies coming together to launch a wide range of satellite services. It's undeniably exciting.
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