spacetoday.net: SpaceX wins FCC approval for satellite broadband constellation

SpaceX wins FCC approval for satellite broadband constellation

Posted: Sun, Apr 1, 2018, 9:41 AM ET (1341 GMT)
The FCC formally authorized SpaceX's plans for a broadband satellite constellation, but the company didn't get everything it asked for. The FCC said late Thursday it approved plans by SpaceX to deploy a constellation of 4,425 satellites operating in Ka- and Ku-bands. The FCC will require SpaceX to have at least half its constellation in orbit within six years or its authorization will be limited to the number in orbit at that time. SpaceX sought to relax those rules, saying it can provide service with a smaller number of satellites. The FCC rejected that proposal but said SpaceX could resubmit a waiver request in the future.