SpaceX has been given permission for 1,584 of its internet - transmitting satellites to be launched into a lower orbit . After the US Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) gave the green light for the proposed 4,425-satellite Starlink constellation in early 2018 , it modified its application to have some of the devices orbiting at roughly 550 km , rather than the initial height of 1,100 - 1,325 km . Amazon has announced its own initiative. The lower orbit will reduce latency to 15 milliseconds , require fewer total satellites , and minimise the probability of space debris . The FCC has approved the change thanks to the satellites ' propulsion systems , which will allow them to avoid collisions .
SpaceX has been given permission for 1,584 of its internet - transmitting satellites to be launched into a lower orbit . After the US Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) gave the green light for the proposed 4,425-satellite Starlink constellation in early 2018 , it modified its application to have some of the devices orbiting at roughly 550 km , rather than the initial height of 1,100 - 1,325 km . The lower orbit will reduce latency to 15 milliseconds , require fewer total satellites , and minimise the probability of space debris . The FCC has approved the change thanks to the satellites ' propulsion systems , which will allow them to avoid collisions .