FCC Seeks More Clarity on SpaceX's Second-Gen Constellation Plans

The FCC International Bureau wants more clarity on SpaceX's proposed second-generation broadband satellite constellation (see 2108260002). In a letter last week to the company's outside counsel, the agency asked for clarification on such issues as whether it plans to operate both systems simultaneously and whether it would deploy replacement satellites for the first-gen system or whether the second-gen satellites would be deployed in lieu of first-gen system replacements. Its three pages of questions also asked about the expected timing of second-gen system launches and when the company plans to notify the FCC which of the two constellation configurations it plans to deploy. It asked for answers by Jan. 7.