Federal Communications Commission announced there that it has given SpaceX approval to launch another 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, for a total of 15,000 satellites worldwide.
In addition to allowing SpaceX to launch more satellites and expand high-speed internet coverage, the FCC said its decision also means Starlink satellites can operate on five frequencies and provide direct connectivity to cells outside the United States, along with additional coverage in the US.
Reuters reports that SpaceX has requested approval for an additional 15,000 satellites, but the FCC said it “will delay authorization of the remaining 14,988 proposed Gen2 Starlink satellites.”
SpaceX must launch 50% of its approved Starlink satellites by December 1, 2028, and the remaining 50% by December 2031, the FCC said.