Posted: Sat, May 1, 2021, 8:51 AM ET (1251 GMT)
The FCC approved SpaceX's application Tuesday to lower the orbits of its Starlink satellites. The commission will allow SpaceX to move 2,814 satellites previously approved for orbits at altitudes of 1,100-1,300 kilometers down to 540-570 kilometers. SpaceX said the move would reduce latency in the system and improve orbital safety. Several satellite operators opposed the move on grounds ranging from increased interference to a greater risk of collisions in low Earth orbit. The FCC also rejected calls that it perform an environmental assessment of SpaceX's constellation. The license does include some conditions on SpaceX, including not operating satellites any higher than 580 kilometers and providing semi-annual reports on the health of its satellite fleet.
