SpaceX gets approval to launch 4,425 internet satellites

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has received the approval to send 4,425 satellites to space, in order to provide internet service across the globe.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved SpaceX’s plan on Thursday for providing global internet services through 4,425 small satellites, a service that will be called ‘Starlink’.

In a statement, the FCC said, “This is the first approval of a US-licensed satellite constellation to provide broadband services using a new generation of low-Earth orbit satellite technologies. With this action, the commission takes another step to increase high-speed broadband availability and competition in the United States.”

As per CNET, the company said that it appreciated the FCC’s detailed review about the constellation license. The company’s president and COO Gwynne Shotwell expressed, “Although we still have much to do with this complex undertaking, this is an important step toward SpaceX building a next-generation satellite network that can link the globe with reliable and affordable broadband service, especially reaching those who are not yet connected.”

After sending sports car, Space X is setting up global internet in space

The plan was to set-up a constellation made up of 4,425 small satellites in low-Earth orbit for providing low-latency internet mostly to rural and remote places where there is little or no internet. It is also there to improve the speeds and coverage of internet in those areas where it is not much speedy.

If the tests are successful, the operational satellites will start to launch in phases by next year and will be in full capacity by 2024. The commercial internet service would initiate after 800 satellites are launched, reported Los Angeles Times.