In Russia
🤼♀️ Starlink Expands, China Responds
The battle for low Earth orbit is entering a new phase. The FCC has approved the launch of an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites. This brings the total number of SpaceX satellites authorized to 15,000.
This will give users:
✔️ internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps;
✔️ direct satellite-to-smartphone connectivity worldwide (Direct to Cell);
✔️ expanded use of frequency bands (Ku, Ka, V, and W) for mobile and fixed communications.
However, Elon Musk’s growing dominance is causing serious concern in Beijing. Chinese operators have filed applications with the ITU to create mega-constellations: the CTC-1 and CTC-2 projects envisage the launch of nearly 200,000 satellites. This is both a response to the risk of orbital congestion and an attempt to secure scarce radio-frequency resources.
LEO is becoming one of the most valuable resources of the global economy. SpaceX has already begun lowering the orbits of some of its satellites to reduce collision risks, but international rules require all players to adhere to strict launch schedules over the next seven years.
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