Starlink License Modified by the FCC to Allow for Lower Orbits

The FCC has issued an order modifying the SpaceX Starlink license to allow for lower altitude orbits.

"(T)he modification will improve the experience for users of the SpaceX service, including in often-underserved polar regions."

FCC Starlink modification order.

In the order, the FCC cut the number of satellites allowed under the license by one to 4,408, and reduces the orbits from the "1,100-1,300 km range to 540 to 570 km" ( 684-808 miles to 335-354 miles).

The minimum earth station elevation angle for both user beams and gateway beams has also been changed, and SpaceX has been granted the license authority to conduct launch and early orbit phase (LEOP) operations and payload testing during orbit-raising and deorbit of its satellites, consistent with parameters described in the application and related materials."

"We further conclude that this modification does not create significant interference problems that would warrant treatment of SpaceX’s system as if it were filed in a later processing round," the FCC said in the order.

SpaceX argued in the Starlink licence modification application that the grant would be in the public interest, as it is reducing its satellites’ altitude to improve space safety, reducing its power flux density (PFD) emissions to improve the interference environment, and lowering its elevation angles to improve the customer experience.

Additionally, several individuals, businesses, and organizations from Alaska submitted letters in the docket urging the Bureau to act on the SpaceX modification to allow SpaceX to begin deployment of its Starlink service in Alaska. These filings discuss the scarcity of reliable internet service, the extreme expense of the internet service that is available, the difficulties of maintaining that service, and the effect this has on Alaska communities. They argue the Starlink service will finally bring ubiquitous internet connectivity within reach for these areas.

The Starlink license modification was opposed in public comments by Viasat, Hughes, and Kuiper, which asserted that SpaceX had "not has not provided analysis demonstrating how the latency has changed by reducing the satellites’ operating altitude or how it will improve space safety.

In its order, the FCC said that it agrees with SpaceX that "the modification will improve the experience for users of the SpaceX service, including in often-underserved polar regions. We conclude that the lower elevation angle of its earth station antennas and lower altitude of its satellites enables a better user experience by improving speeds and latency.

"Additionally, a number of the satellites being deployed pursuant to this modification are satellites orbiting at high inclinations, which are uniquely able to provide improved service to higher latitude regions.

The FCC noted in its order that deployment to a lower altitude guarantees removal of satellites from orbit within a relatively short period of time, "and consequently has beneficial effects with respect to orbital debris mitigation. We also note that this decision is taken under the existing satellite precedent and licensing framework and does not address, and is not intended to resolve, any additional issues or concerns that may arise related to the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund program."

(Source: FCC. Image from file)