Starlink's satellites will be in orbit at a much lower altitude, reducing the risks of junk food

Among Elon Musk's many plans for the future, one of the most ambitious has been the creation of a constellation of satellites that will provide broadband Internet access to the world. Known as "Starlink," the company's long-term plan is to deploy more than 12,000 LEO satellites by the mid-2020s.

Despite criticisms and referrals, Musk and SpaceX have taken significant steps in recent years to move this proposal forward. And according to an official statement recently released by the company, mass production is well advanced and the first batch of operational satellites is already in Florida, waiting for its launch planned in May 2019.

This news comes shortly after the company received clearance from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch satellites in a lower orbit than originally specified. Originally, SpaceX planned to launch 4,425 satellites in non-geostationary orbits (GSOs) from 1,100 km to 1,300 km (680 km and 800 km), which would transmit in Ku radio bands. – and Ka.

However, due to increasing competition from other satellite Internet providers, SpaceX has decided to accelerate its projects and has submitted a modified plan to the FCC. This took place in the fall 2018 when the company announced that the first batch would be launched at a lower altitude – 550 km (340 mi), as of May 2019. They also indicated that this lot would have a simplified design and only transmit in the Ku band.

This lower altitude was chosen to minimize the risk posed by "space scraps", but will also allow the company to send more satellites into orbit sooner. The lower insertion orbit will not only allow the Falcon 9 rockets that will deploy satellites to carry heavier payloads, it will also mean shorter transmission times and the first group of satellites will fall on Earth earlier.

This is intrinsically linked to SpaceX's new plan to replace the first batch of simplified satellites with upgraded versions at a later stage, ultimately creating the complete constellation that will deliver the Internet service as originally announced. The recent FCC approval – which was issued on April 26, despite the objections of SpaceX's competitors – has removed a major regulatory hurdle for the company.

Gwynne Shotwell, President and Chief Operating Officer of SpaceX officer, expressed in a statement of the company:

"This approval demonstrates the FCC's confidence in SpaceX's plans to deploy its next-generation satellite constellation and connect users around the world with reliable, affordable broadband service. Starlink production is well advanced and the first group of satellites to have already arrived at the launch site for processing. "

The deployment of the constellation began in earnest in February 2018 when the company launched two technology demonstrators (Microsat 2A and 2B) as a piggyback cargo on the Spanish PAZ Earth Observation satellite. In March 2018, the FCC announced its intention to create a Phase I constellation of 4,425 satellites in orbit at ~ 1125 km (700 mi).

This was followed in November by the FCC, which approved SpaceX's plan for a phase II network of 7,518 satellites at 340 km. However, a few days before approval, SpaceX requested a change whereby the first 1,584 Starlink satellites would be launched at an altitude of less than 550 km (341 mi). This latest decision indicates that the FCC has approved this change to the SpaceX license.

To get there, Elon Musk and SpaceX have tough times ahead of them. For example, SpaceX is expected to launch half of its Phase I satellites by April 2024, or about 37 launches per month. The remaining 2,200 satellites will have to be launched three years later (by April 2027), otherwise SpaceX will lose its license.

The same is true for the Phase II satellite lot, which will have to be fully deployed by November or 2027. In order to meet these requirements, SpaceX will need to increase production and begin regular launches soon. And competition is not lacking from other giants of the telecom and commercial space. But again, Musk is no stranger to long distances and crossing.

Further reading: Teslarati, SpaceflightNow