Viasat: Deeper SpaceX Dive Raises More Worries; Musk: 2nd-Gen Has 5X Throughput

SpaceX's proposed second-generation Starlink constellation would cause interference far in excess of applicable equivalent power-flux density limits governing the system itself and also those for all non-geostationary orbit systems operating in a given band, Viasat told the FCC International Bureau Monday. It said its conclusions are based on a more-thorough analysis of SpaceX-provided EPFD data, simulating the combined effect of all second-gen satellites. An earlier Viasat analysis had raised other EPFD red flags (see 2204260002). SpaceX didn't comment. The throughput with SpaceX's first-generation Starlink constellation grows linearly the more satellites are in orbit, and its proposed second-gen satellites "are at least 5 times better (conservative estimate) than V1," CEO Elon Musk tweeted Monday. He said current Starlink bandwidth varies depending on time of day and user terminal density. "That’s why the long wait in some areas" for service, he said.