Starlink Upgrade: SpaceX Files for Orbital Adjustments, Aiming for Gigabit Speeds

Starlink Upgrade: SpaceX Files for Orbital Adjustments, Aiming for Gigabit SpeedsElon Musk's SpaceX recently filed a significant application with the FCC for major adjustments to its Starlink satellite network, aiming to boost network performance by nearly ten times, achieving a gigabit bandwidth. This move would provide billions of users worldwide with faster, lower-latency internet access

Starlink Upgrade: SpaceX Files for Orbital Adjustments, Aiming for Gigabit Speeds

Elon Musk's SpaceX recently filed a significant application with the FCC for major adjustments to its Starlink satellite network, aiming to boost network performance by nearly ten times, achieving a gigabit bandwidth. This move would provide billions of users worldwide with faster, lower-latency internet access.

In the application filed with the FCC on October 11th, SpaceX stated these adjustments would allow the second-generation Starlink system to deliver "gigabit access, truly low latency, and ubiquitous, mobile connectivity" to all US users as well as billions more globally who lack adequate bandwidth.

SpaceX plans to achieve this through the following measures:

1. Lowering Orbital Altitude: SpaceX hopes to lower the altitude of its satellites from 525-535 kilometers to 480-475 kilometers. This change would "increase the potential maximum number of satellites per orbital plane and per constellation" while keeping the total number of second-generation satellites below 29,988.

2. Adjusting Satellite Elevation Angle: SpaceX wants to adjust the minimum elevation angle of its satellites from 25 degrees to 20 degrees. This adjustment would "enable satellites to directly connect to more ground stations and maintain connectivity for longer durations during flyovers, enhancing user connection quality."

3. Upgrading Satellite Hardware: SpaceX states that second-generation Starlink satellites will "employ more powerful hardware with higher gain and more advanced beamforming and digital processing technologies, providing greater and more efficient coverage for American consumers."

4. Optimizing Spectrum Utilization: SpaceX seeks more flexibility in using its spectrum licenses to support its planned mobile communications services and current home internet services. The company asked the FCC "to allow the use of Ka, V, and E-band frequencies for both mobile and fixed satellite applications simultaneously where permitted under the US or international frequency allocation tables and where the antenna parameters would be identical."

5. Expanding Orbital Range: SpaceX also submitted a "Request for Partial Waiver and Amendment for Second-Generation System Application Pending Review" seeking further upgrades to its second-generation system not yet approved by the commission, including authorization for SpaceX satellites to operate at orbits below 400 kilometers and within frequencies exceeding the original application's request.

These adjustments reflect SpaceX's ongoing optimization and upgrading of its Starlink network, aiming to provide faster, more reliable, and more extensive internet services. However, these adjustments have also sparked some controversy.

The FCC had questioned the stability and reliability of the Starlink network in 2022, declining SpaceX's application for $886 million in federal subsidies. The FCC argued that Starlink might not be able to provide the stable, low-latency service required for the subsidy program, failing to achieve the requested 100mbps download speed and 20Mbps upload speed.

Other satellite operators and mobile carriers have also voiced opposition to Starlink's plans, questioning the potential negative impacts of SpaceX's application on other spectrum users and satellite operators.

To secure FCC approval, SpaceX must demonstrate that these adjustments will not negatively impact other spectrum users and satellite operators. The final outcome will be unveiled in the coming months, testing SpaceX's ability to achieve its gigabit speed goals.