SpaceX is intensifying its orbital broadband efforts and has filed applications with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to deploy an additional 30,000 Starlink satellites.
The ITU is the global body that manages the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbital slots. Any large-scale satellite deployment requires coordination and approval from the ITU to ensure equitable use of bandwidth, prevent harmful interference, and promote safe operations in orbit.
SpaceX already holds authorization to launch 12,000 Starlink satellites. If the new request is approved, the total constellation could grow to approximately 42,000 satellites, making it one of the largest planned satellite networks in history.
A SpaceX spokesperson said the expansion is intended to meet rising worldwide demand for high-speed, reliable internet, particularly in regions where connectivity is limited, prohibitively expensive, or inconsistent. The company stated it is taking steps to responsibly scale Starlink’s overall network capacity and data density to accommodate anticipated growth in users.
Initial launches under the new authorization would be modest, likely on the order of a few dozen to a few hundred satellites per year at first. However, SpaceX expects demand for satellite broadband to increase substantially and is preparing for potential acceleration of deployments.
To address industry and public concerns about deploying a very large number of satellites, SpaceX is implementing a range of mitigation measures. Two of these measures are particularly important:
-
Automated collision-avoidance systems onboard each roughly 500-pound satellite. Enhanced autonomous maneuvering will help reduce the risk of in-orbit collisions and orbital congestion, a concern highlighted by a recent close encounter between a Starlink satellite and a European weather-monitoring spacecraft.
-
Operational measures to limit optical interference with astronomical observations, including orienting satellites away from Earth when feasible to minimize reflected sunlight and reduce disruption to ground-based telescopes and other scientific instruments.
Satellite broadband promises to expand internet access to more people and devices, including those in remote and underserved areas, delivering economic and social benefits by enabling new forms of communication, education, healthcare, and commerce.
As with any significant technological expansion, there are technical, regulatory, and environmental challenges to address. SpaceX appears to be engaging with regulators, scientists, and industry stakeholders to mitigate risks and operate responsibly as Starlink scales.
Interested in industry discussions on topics like this? Attend co-located events such as IoT Tech Expo, Blockchain Expo, AI & Big Data Expo, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo to hear leaders and experts explore developments in connectivity, data, security, and related technologies.