Accelerate the layout! SpaceX has been approved to redeploy 7,500 Starlink satellites, bringing the total number to 15,000.

Regulatory green light on, SpaceX global satellite internet map expansion meets another key milestone. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Friday local time that it has officially approved SpaceX's application to deploy an additional 7,500 second-generation (Gen2) "Starlink" satellites. This decision marks further support from U.S. regulators for Elon Musk's space exploration company in expanding its global internet services. The FCC stated that this approval allows SpaceX to operate an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing the total number of approved second-generation satellites in orbit globally to 15,000. In addition to the increase in quantity, the commission also approved SpaceX to upgrade the satellites, allowing them to operate across five frequency bands. It is worth noting that the FCC waived previous restrictions on satellite signal coverage overlap and constraints on increasing network capacity, clearing regulatory hurdles for SpaceX to improve service quality. The agency pointed out that the new satellites will have critical strategic significance as they will provide direct-to-cell satellite network services outside the United States and strengthen network coverage within the country. These technical upgrades will not only support next-generation mobile communication services but also significantly improve network performance, potentially achieving a maximum internet speed of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). FCC Chairman Brendan Carr highly praised the approval, stating, "This FCC authorization is a game-changer for delivering next-generation services." Carr emphasized, "By authorizing 15,000 new advanced satellites, the FCC has given SpaceX the green light to provide unprecedented satellite broadband capability, strengthen competition, and help ensure that no community is left behind." Approved total amount reaches 15,000 According to reports, SpaceX had previously sought approval to deploy nearly 30,000 satellites, but the FCC has only approved a total deployment plan of 15,000. The FCC explicitly stated in its statement, "We find that authorizing additional satellites serves the public interest, even though the upgraded second-generation Starlink satellites have not been tested in orbit." The key highlight of this approval is the improvement in technical specifications. By allowing the use of more frequency bands and relaxing overlap restrictions, SpaceX will be able to manage its network traffic more flexibly. The main function of the new satellites will focus on increasing connection speeds to the gigabit level and supporting direct connections to mobile devices, seen as a key step in the integration of satellite internet and traditional mobile communication. For the remaining approximately 14,988 proposed second-generation Starlink satellites (including those intended to operate in orbits above 600 kilometers), the FCC stated that authorization will be deferred. This means that SpaceX's complete plan will still need to pass regulatory scrutiny in stages. Clear deployment schedule: 50% of launch tasks to be completed by December 2028 To prevent idle spectrum resources and ensure plan implementation, the FCC has set strict milestone deployment deadlines for SpaceX. Reportedly, the FCC requires SpaceX to launch and operate up to 50% of the authorized maximum number of second-generation satellites by December 1, 2028, and deploy them in designated orbits. The remaining satellites must be launched by December 2031. In addition, for the first-generation Starlink satellites, the FCC requires SpaceX to complete the deployment of 7,500 satellites by late November 2027. This schedule demonstrates the specific requirements that the regulatory agency places on operators' execution capabilities to ensure that spectrum resources can be effectively converted into actual service capabilities. Consolidating market dominance Currently, SpaceX has become the world's largest satellite operator through the Starlink network. The network currently has approximately 9,400 satellites, providing broadband internet services to consumers, governments, and business customers. Former FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel urged more competition to be introduced to SpaceX's Starlink constellation in 2024, noting that Starlink controlled nearly two-thirds of active satellites. The statement from the new FCC Chairman Brendan Carr indicates that the regulatory body is focusing on "strengthening competition" and improving service capabilities through expansion. In terms of operational safety, Starlink announced last week that it would begin reconfiguring its satellite constellation during 2026, lowering all satellites operating in orbits of approximately 550 kilometers (342 miles) to 480 kilometers, aiming to increase space safety. Previously in December, Starlink reported an anomaly with one of its satellites in space, causing a small amount of debris at 418 kilometers and loss of contact. This article is reproduced from "Wall Street View", author: Long Yue; edited by GMTEight: Wang Qiujia.