The FCC has given SpaceX the green light to launch an additional 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites, bringing the total number in orbit to 15,000 by the end of 2031. This approval comes with a twist: the government is waiving previous regulations that prevented satellite overlap and enhanced capacity. SpaceX originally sought approval for 30,000 satellites, but the FCC has only approved 15,000 for now. The company has a tight deadline, with 50% of the Gen2 satellites needing to be launched and operational by December 1, 2028, and the rest by December 2031. Despite a recent public falling out between Elon Musk and the administration, the relationship appears to be mending. The approval raises concerns among astronomers about light pollution and space junk, as well as the risk of orbital collisions. SpaceX has already lowered the orbit of many satellites to mitigate collision risks. However, the promise of direct-to-cell connectivity outside the US and internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps seems to have won out.
