SpaceX Second-Gen Constellation Gets Partial OK

To make sure SpaceX's proposed second-generation broadband satellite constellation doesn't create too big an astronomy problem, it must operate below 580 km and reach a coordination agreement with the National Science Foundation to protect optical ground-based astronomy, the FCC said in an authorization order released Thursday. The authorization green-lights 7,500 of the proposed 29,988 Ku-/Ka-band Starlink satellites, deferring on the rest of the constellation and on SpaceX's request to also use the E band. The partial grant lets SpaceX start deployment while also "protect[ing] other satellite and terrestrial operators from harmful interference and maintain[ing] a safe space environment, promoting competition and protecting spectrum and orbital resources for future use," the order said. Among the conditions, SpaceX must submit regular reports to the FCC about progress to protect optical astronomy and limit operations in some frequency bands to one satellite beam from any of its second-generation Starlinks in the same frequency in the same or overlapping areas at a time.