FCC approves Starlink license modification
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.
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. | <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Roscosmos replaces cosmonaut on next Crew Dragon mission to ISS
Posted: Sat, Dec 6 9:45 AM ET (1445 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Friday, December 19
A Starlink satellite seems to have exploded
The Verge — 6:52 am ET (1152 GMT) ESA Assesses Underfunding Impact On Human, Robotic Exploration
Aviation Week — 6:51 am ET (1151 GMT) Hubble sees asteroids colliding around nearby star
ESA — 6:50 am ET (1150 GMT) A first in space autonomy
ESA — 6:50 am ET (1150 GMT) The 30-year journey of European satellite navigation
ESA — 6:50 am ET (1150 GMT) |
