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
|
|
Report outlines cost growth in canceled NASA exploration programs
Posted: Sat, Jun 27 11:14 AM ET (1514 GMT) Perseverance Mars rover finds more potential biosignatures
Posted: Sat, Jun 27 11:12 AM ET (1512 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, July 1
Firefly Aerospace Operates NVIDIA Jetson in Lunar Orbit for the First Time
Nvidia — 5:51 am ET (0951 GMT) Firefly, SSC Space Work On Swedish Pad For Revised Launch Schedule
Aviation Week — 5:50 am ET (0950 GMT) Thousands of planets are hidden in this photo
ESA — 5:50 am ET (0950 GMT) Firefly Aerospace and SSC Space Meet Next Critical Milestone for Orbital Launch from Esrange Space Center
Firefly Aerospace — 5:49 am ET (0949 GMT) NZ and US sign 'statement of intent' over military space operations
Radio New Zealand — 5:47 am ET (0947 GMT) |
