Require More Constellation Operator Transparency: SpaceX to FCC

SpaceX's Starlink satellites have been screened from being deployed in orbit for solar array deployment mechanism failures or avionics failures not allowing control in a high-drag environment, the satellite operator told the FCC International Bureau Monday in response to FCC questions about its Starlink status report (see 2109200003). It said the solar array deployment mechanism was modified, and production control changes were made to tackle the avionics failures. It said it's being open about the health of its constellation, but the FCC should look at requiring increased transparency by other operators, such as publishing space situational awareness data.