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from the look-at-all-those-shooting-stars dept.
SpaceX originally asked permission to launch nearly 30,000 second-gen satellites:
SpaceX first asked the Federal Communications Commission for permission to deploy 29,988 second-generation Starlink satellites back in 2020. Now, the FCC has granted its request — partially, at least. The commission has given the company the go-ahead to build, deploy and operate up to 7,500 satellites for its Gen2 constellation at the altitudes of 525 km, 530 km and 535 km. In its announcement, the FCC said approving 7,500 satellites for the constellation will allow SpaceX to provide broadband internet to users worldwide, even those living in far-flung areas.
The FCC is limiting the number of satellites SpaceX can deploy for now, though, to address concerns about orbital debris and space safety. It says the limited grant will help maintain a safe space environment and protect other satellite and terrestrial operators from harmful interference. Several companies and even NASA previously raised concerns about SpaceX's plan to deploy an additional 30,000 satellites, considering the FCC already granted it permission to launch 12,000 first-gen Starlink satellites.
[...] SpaceX chief Elon Musk previously revealed that the second-gen Starlink satellites will be much bigger than their predecessor and will need to be launch on the company's Starship launch vehicle. One of the reasons they're bigger is because of their massive antennas that will have the capability to communicate with phones here on Earth, like mobile towers in the sky. Indeed, the the collaboration T-Mobile and SpaceX announced in August will depend on Starlink's second-gen satellites. The companies aim to end mobile deadzones with their partnership and to provide connectivity wherever there's a clear view of the sky, even if it's in the middle of the ocean.
(Score: 3, Informative) by deimtee on Sunday December 04 2022, @10:05PM (1 child)
The whole Kessler syndrome scenario is bullshit for Starlink. It's too low, any collision is going to leave all the pieces in orbits that intersect the atmosphere.
Launching spacecraft already need to avoid all the thousands of known satellites and debris, thousands more won't actually make that much difference, especially since they are all in a narrow altitude range.
The only real objection is light pollution for astronomers.
If you cough while drinking cheap red wine it really cleans out your sinuses.
(Score: 2) by canopic jug on Tuesday December 06 2022, @08:58AM
The only real objection is light pollution for astronomers.
You're forgetting cultural heritage. The light pollution disturbs more than just astronomers. For many, being able to see the constellations unimpaired is an important inheritance of key cultural value and not to be messed with.
Money is not free speech. Elections should not be auctions.