SpaceX is signaling it’s ready to build even more ground stations across the US to supply high-speed internet to Starlink satellites in space.
The company on Thursday filed for a “blanket” license with the FCC to expand the ground-based infrastructure supporting the satellite internet system. Through the license, SpaceX seeks to build new “Ka band” gateway stations capable of beaming broadband data to first- and second-generation Starlink satellites.
Previously, SpaceX applied for FCC authorization to operate gateway stations through individual filings, each one tailored for a select location. SpaceX noted it’s already been licensed to “operate over 60 gateway earth stations" in the country. But now the company is asking for a blanket license for the US, citing a request for “greater flexibility to deploy earth stations where and as needed.”
“This will both help to speed broadband deployment throughout the United States by enabling SpaceX Services to deploy gateways quickly to meet rising demand and add capacity and connectivity as needs arise, and also relieve the burden on the commission of processing SpaceX Services’ earth station applications,” the company added.
The filing also reveals some specs to the proposed gateway stations. “Each earth station will utilize up to 40 identical 1.85-meter antennas,” the company wrote. “Consistent with SpaceX’s space station authorizations, earth stations will simultaneously communicate with up to eight Gen1 satellites and up to thirty-two Gen2 satellites.”
SpaceX is requesting the FCC approve the license as soon as possible. It arrives as the second-gen Starlink network promises to improve speeds and address congestion issues that can hobble the satellite internet service for many users across the US. The company has already begun to launch second-gen Starlink satellites, and it plans to launch even more at a rapid cadence, once the company can begin safely flying its Starship vehicle into orbit.