SpaceX is planning significant changes to its Starlink satellite internet system to dramatically enhance performance, aiming to make it up to 10 times faster. The company has submitted an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on October 11, seeking approval for modifications that will enable gigabit-per-second broadband speeds, lower latency, and expanded global coverage.
In the application, SpaceX stated that the proposed “modification and its companion amendment will enable the Gen2 system to deliver gigabit-speed, truly low-latency broadband and ubiquitous mobile connectivity.” This upgrade aims to bring high-speed internet to underserved areas worldwide, benefiting “billions of people globally who still lack access to adequate broadband.”
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What SpaceX hopes to achieve
To achieve these improvements, SpaceX plans to lower the altitude of its satellites. Currently operating at altitudes of 525 km, 530 km, and 535 km, SpaceX proposes lowering them to 480 km, 485 km, and 475 km. This reconfiguration will allow the satellites to reduce latency further and increase the efficiency of data transfers, making internet service faster. In addition, SpaceX plans to optimize the use of the spectrum by sharing it more effectively with other users.
This modification also involves increasing the “potential maximum number of orbital planes and satellites per plane,” although the total number of second-generation satellites will remain below the previously approved 29,988. So far, the FCC has authorized the launch of 7,500 Gen2 satellites, but with SpaceX’s plan, the company expects the overall network performance to improve significantly.
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, emphasized that these next-generation satellites, which are larger and can only be launched via SpaceX’s Starship rocket, will allow a 10X boost in bandwidth. Combined with the reduced altitude, this will lead to faster data speeds and much lower latency, positioning Starlink as a game-changer in global broadband service.
The lowered satellites, paired with advancements in satellite technology, aim to provide faster and more seamless streaming, gaming, and communication. This move not only enhances service for individual users but also holds tremendous potential for industries relying on high-speed connectivity, such as aviation, maritime, and telecommunications.
