US regulator clears Starlink’s next orbital surge

Federal regulators have approved a major expansion of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, clearing the company to deploy up to 7,500 additional second-generation spacecraft and lifting the authorised constellation to about 15,000 satellites, a decision that deepens the company’s lead in the fast-growing satellite broadband market while tightening safeguards around orbital congestion and interference.

The Federal Communications Commission’s order allows SpaceX to activate the first tranche of its Gen2 system in low-Earth orbit, a step the agency said would advance high-speed internet coverage in areas underserved by terrestrial networks. The approval follows months of technical review and public comment, and comes as governments and investors weigh the benefits of ubiquitous connectivity against mounting concerns over space sustainability.

SpaceX told regulators that the expanded Gen2 network is designed to deliver lower latency and substantially higher throughput, with the company targeting gigabit-class performance for enterprise and community users. The satellites, which operate in multiple Ku- and Ka-band frequencies, are larger and more capable than the first-generation craft and are intended to work in concert with upgraded ground stations and user terminals.

The FCC attached conditions to the authorisation aimed at limiting interference with other satellite operators and protecting astronomy and Earth-observation services. These include requirements to coordinate spectrum use, adjust power levels dynamically, and adhere to stricter debris-mitigation practices. SpaceX must also demonstrate compliance with updated orbital-safety benchmarks as launches proceed.

The ruling lands amid intensifying competition in the satellite internet sector. Amazon’s Project Kuiper is preparing its first operational deployments after securing its own FCC approvals, while European and Asian operators are expanding regional constellations. Analysts say SpaceX’s head start—bolstered by a high-cadence launch schedule using its reusable Falcon 9 rockets—has translated into millions of subscribers and a growing presence in aviation, maritime and defence communications.

Industry specialists note that Gen2 capacity could reshape pricing and performance expectations. By increasing the number of satellites and using more advanced beam-forming, SpaceX expects to ease network congestion in dense markets while extending reliable service to remote regions, disaster zones and transport corridors. Governments have increasingly turned to satellite broadband to bridge coverage gaps, particularly where fibre or mobile build-outs are slow or uneconomic.

At the same time, the expansion has sharpened debate over orbital crowding. Astronomers and rival operators have warned that a surge in satellites raises collision risks and complicates spectrum sharing. The FCC acknowledged those concerns in its order, stating that innovation must be balanced with “responsible stewardship” of the space environment. The agency said it would continue to monitor compliance and could impose additional measures if risks escalate.

SpaceX has argued that its autonomous collision-avoidance systems and rapid de-orbit capabilities reduce long-term hazards. The company says Gen2 satellites are designed to burn up fully on re-entry and can be maneuvered more precisely than earlier models. Still, space-traffic experts stress that coordination across operators and regulators will be critical as thousands of new spacecraft enter similar orbital shells.

The approval also has geopolitical and economic implications. Satellite broadband has become a strategic asset for connectivity resilience, emergency response and military communications. By expanding its authorised fleet, SpaceX strengthens its position as a key supplier to governments and enterprises seeking alternatives to terrestrial infrastructure, particularly in regions with challenging geography.

Financially, the decision supports SpaceX’s push to scale Starlink into a self-funding business that can underpin its broader ambitions, including heavy-lift launch development. While the company does not disclose Starlink revenues in detail, market estimates point to steady subscriber growth and rising average speeds as capacity increases.