SpaceX has been given approval 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, SpaceX 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 FCC approved SpaceX’s request on June 26, 2018. The FCC has authorised the change thanks to the satellites' propulsion systems, which will allow them to avoid collisions.
SpaceX has been given approval 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, SpaceX 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 authorised the change thanks to the satellites' propulsion systems, which will allow them to avoid collisions.