SpaceX gets FCC approval to launch 7,500 more Starlink satellites

In a significant development for global internet connectivity, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Friday that it has authorized SpaceX to launch an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites. This approval brings the total number of Starlink satellites to an impressive 15,000, further extending the reach of SpaceX's high-speed internet services worldwide. The FCC's decision not only allows for the expansion of satellite launches but also enables Starlink to operate on five different frequencies. This capability is set to enhance direct-to-cell connectivity outside the United States while providing supplementary coverage domestically. While SpaceX initially sought approval for 15,000 new satellites, the FCC has opted to defer the authorization for the remaining 14,988 proposed satellites, signaling a cautious approach towards satellite deployment. As part of the approval conditions, SpaceX is required to launch 50% of the newly authorized satellites by December 1, 2028, with the remaining half to be launched by December 2031. This timeline underscores the urgency of expanding internet access through satellite technology, particularly in underserved areas around the globe.