SpaceX Gets OK for Lower Orbit for 10 Satellites; Remainder Deferred
SpaceX can put 10 satellites at a lower orbit, but the request for a lower orbit of an additional 2,814 satellites remains on hold, the FCC International Bureau ordered Friday. OK'ing those 10 to be launched into a polar orbit…
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allows continued development and testing of the company's broadband service in high-latitude areas, it said, dismissing concerns. It said the 10 don't raise the interference worries that had been alleged for the full 2,824 in SpaceX's license modification request (see 2007140001) or the 348 that would be in its polar shell. Nor do they raise the cumulative orbital debris concerns, it said. The FCC deferred on the rest of SpaceX's request, including a lower specified altitude of its constellation from 1,100-1,300 km to 540-570 km and a blanket authorization for some operations. It delayed a decision about the broader license modification request whether to require an environmental assessment. SpaceX, which asked for at least a partial approval of its lower-orbit modification to provide polar region service (see 2011190001), didn't comment. Applauding Viasat's environmental review petition (see 2012230003) drawing attention to possible light pollution from satellite constellations, the American Astronomical Society said in bureau comments Thursday that constellations at lower altitudes are better for dark-sky astronomy. AAS said satellites at heights of 600 km or less appear brighter but are in sunlight for less of the night, while higher-orbit satellites are more in focus and move more slowly across the sky. It said SpaceX's Starlink satellite modifications lowered their apparent brightness, and other large low earth orbit constellations should use its and other mitigation techniques.