FCC approves Starlink license modification
Posted: Sat, May 1, 2021, 8:51 AM ET (1251 GMT)
The FCC approved SpaceX's application Tuesday to lower the orbits of its Starlink satellites. The commission will allow SpaceX to move 2,814 satellites previously approved for orbits at altitudes of 1,100-1,300 kilometers down to 540-570 kilometers. SpaceX said the move would reduce latency in the system and improve orbital safety. Several satellite operators opposed the move on grounds ranging from increased interference to a greater risk of collisions in low Earth orbit. The FCC also rejected calls that it perform an environmental assessment of SpaceX's constellation. The license does include some conditions on SpaceX, including not operating satellites any higher than 580 kilometers and providing semi-annual reports on the health of its satellite fleet.
The FCC approved SpaceX's application Tuesday to lower the orbits of its Starlink satellites. The commission will allow SpaceX to move 2,814 satellites previously approved for orbits at altitudes of 1,100-1,300 kilometers down to 540-570 kilometers. SpaceX said the move would reduce latency in the system and improve orbital safety. Several satellite operators opposed the move on grounds ranging from increased interference to a greater risk of collisions in low Earth orbit. The FCC also rejected calls that it perform an environmental assessment of SpaceX's constellation. The license does include some conditions on SpaceX, including not operating satellites any higher than 580 kilometers and providing semi-annual reports on the health of its satellite fleet. | <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Friday, February 20
Firefly Alpha to resume flights as soon as Feb. 27
Austin (TX) American-Statesman — 6:18 am ET (1118 GMT) UK-backed space weather mission sets sail for launch site
UK Space Agency — 6:17 am ET (1117 GMT) How we protected the UK and space in January 2026
UK Space Agency — 6:14 am ET (1114 GMT) Ex-ULA Boss To Tackle ‘Urgent’ Space Security Needs At Blue Origin
Aviation Week — 6:12 am ET (1112 GMT) SpaceX and Blue Origin abruptly shift priorities amid US Golden Dome push
Defense News — 6:10 am ET (1110 GMT) |
