- SpaceX can launch 7,500 more Starlink satellites
- This means 15,000 Gen2 models will be in orbit
- Satellites must all be in the sky by December 2031
SpaceX already has 7,500 of its Starlink Gen2 satellites in orbit and just got the green light from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch 7,500 more, bringing the total to 15,000.
The news was announced by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr (via Wccftech), and in Carr’s own words on social media, the move will enable “even better, faster, more advanced Internet services across the country.”
Connect to a Gen2 satellite via a Starlink antenna and you promise higher capacities and lower latencies compared to first generation models. The updated satellites have 20 times higher throughput and are easier to connect.
At the same time, the FCC also authorized SpaceX to operate its Starlink satellites over a wider frequency range and in a greater number of orbital configurations, which should ensure more reliable and faster service.
Security measures
President Trump is restoring America’s technological leadership. NEW Today, the FCC authorized SpaceX to deploy and operate up to 15,000 next-generation satellites, enabling even better, faster and more advanced Internet services in the country.January 9, 2026
Questions were raised about crowding the edges of Earth’s atmosphere, and SpaceX initially wanted to send nearly 30,000 Gen2 satellites into space in 2020. Now the FCC thinks it’s safe to go from 7,500 to 15,000.
Also note that SpaceX recently lowered the altitude of 4,400 of its satellites to reduce the risk of collisions with other satellites and objects in space (including the International Space Station of course).
This decision will no doubt have been taken into account when evaluating the FCC’s latest decision. Additional satellites also mean Starlink will now be able to provide direct cell connectivity outside the US, where it has a partnership with T-Mobile.
Half of the newly approved satellites must be launched and implemented by December 1, 2028, the FCC says. The other half will then need to be operational by December 2031, so it may be a while before customers notice better service.
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