SpaceX Authorized for Operations at Lower Altitudes

The Federal Communications Commission's Space Bureau granted the application of Space Exploration Holdings, LLC (SpaceX) to construct, deploy, and operate a constellation of second generation non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service (FSS) satellites, known as its Gen2 Starlink constellation. The Bureau also granted SpaceX's application to provide Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) within the United States and to operate on certain frequency bands for the purpose of performing direct-to-cellular (direct-to-cell) operations outside the United States using its previously authorized 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites and granted SpaceX’s modification application to operate using V-band frequencies at altitudes ranging from 340 km to 360 km. The FCC authorizes SpaceX to operate its previously authorized 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites at the previously proposed altitudes of 340 km, 345 km, 350 km, and 360 km.  SpaceX is authorized to communicate with these satellites in the previously authorized Ku-, Ka-, E-, and V-band frequencies, in conformance with the technical specifications SpaceX has provided to the FCC the conditions previously placed on its authorizations, and new conditions the FCC now places on SpaceX. SpaceX is also authorized to conduct operations using its very high frequency (VHF) beacons at altitudes of 340 km, 345 km, 350 km, and 360 km, again, subject to conditions. Authorization to permit SpaceX to operate up to 7,500 Gen2 satellites in lower altitude shells will enable SpaceX to begin providing lower-latency satellite service to support growing demand in rural and remote areas that lack terrestrial wireless service options. The FCC decided that this action will facilitate SpaceX’s operations for its Gen2 system, which the FCC previously found would bring improved broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved areas of the United States.