SpaceX Seeks FCC OK for Broadband Mega Constellation

With SpaceX planning to launch beginnings of its 4,425-satellite broadband constellation later this year, the company is asking for FCC International Bureau OK to set up a network of six gateway earth stations. According to the six bureau applications Thursday (for example, see here), the earth stations will relay data between the satellites and terrestrial internet exchange points, transmitting in the 14-14.5 GHz band and receiving in the 10.7-12.7 GHz band. The six are planned for locations in California, Montana, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin plus two in Washington state. In a separate bureau filing Thursday, SpaceX recapped with an aide Chairman Ajit Pai about safety guarantees involving a request to modify the orbits of some satellites in the planned constellation; the company had similar eighth-floor meetings with aides to other commissioners (see 1903270021).