The US Federal Communications Commission has granted SpaceX permission to launch an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing the total approved to 15,000. This decision allows upgrades to enhance global internet and mobile coverage. The approval follows concerns over space safety and orbital debris.
On January 10, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced its approval for SpaceX to deploy 7,500 more Gen2 Starlink satellites, increasing the authorized fleet to 15,000 worldwide. "Under this grant, SpaceX is authorized to construct, deploy, and operate an additional 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites, bringing the total to 15,000 satellites worldwide," the FCC stated. This expansion aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet globally, including enhanced mobile and supplemental coverage from space.
The first batch of 7,500 satellites received approval in December 2022, but the FCC limited it due to concerns about orbital debris and space safety. SpaceX had originally requested permission for 29,988 satellites in 2020. Today's order permits upgrades, such as advanced form factors and cutting-edge technology, operation across Ku-, Ka-, V-, E-, and W-band frequencies for Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) and Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), and addition of new orbital shells at altitudes from 340 km to 485 km.
In a related move, SpaceX plans to lower about 4,400 existing satellites from 550 km to 480 km during 2026 to reduce collision risks in denser orbital regions. For mobile services, the FCC approved Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) using the first batch in November 2024. SpaceX partners with T-Mobile in the US for satellite-to-phone texting and app access in remote areas, with voice calls planned for the future. Internationally, direct-to-cell connectivity will expand.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr praised the decision: "The FCC has given SpaceX the green light to deliver unprecedented satellite broadband capabilities, strengthen competition, and help ensure that no community is left behind."
Separately, SpaceX is pursuing another 15,000 satellites for mobile service, requested in September 2025, but faces opposition from competitors like Viasat and Globalstar. Viasat argued that the expansion could "foreclose other operators from accessing and using limited orbital and spectrum resources on a competitive basis" and generate interference risks. SpaceX recently agreed to a $17 billion deal to acquire 50 MHz of spectrum from EchoStar, reducing reliance on carriers like T-Mobile.
