SpaceX has asked the FCC for authority to launch 100,000 satellites in a Gen3 constellation to deliver “multi-gigabit” connectivity. The filing indicates SpaceX intends to move into W- and D-band spectrum to expand backhaul capabilities.
SpaceX submitted the filing to the FCC on July 7. Interestingly, while the filing references SpaceX’s Gen1 and Gen2 constellations, the filing doesn’t refer to the constellation as Starlink.
This filing is also separate from SpaceX’s request in February to launch up to 1 million satellites to function as data centers in orbit.
AI is a large part of the narrative for a higher-capacity Gen3 constellation.
“AI requires massive uplink capacity to support high-definition spatial and auditory data necessary for real-time decision-making and industrial automation. Without it, the United States cannot compete in the AI revolution,” the filing says. “Providing capacity for billions of people and AI-powered devices around the world will also require enormous expansion of backhaul capabilities.”
To support this capacity, SpaceX explained it intends to move into greenfield W- and D-band frequencies between 92 and 275 GHz, and also “pioneer several new and underused satellite spectrum bands that have not yet received a formal satellite frequency allocation.”
It would also operate in Ku-, Ka-, V-, and E-band spectrum as Starlink is currently authorized.
According to the technical attachment, these satellites would operate lower than the current Starlink satellites, in two bands of thin shells with nominal altitudes between 323 and 327.5 kilometers and 473 and 477.5 kilometers.
The Gen3 satellites described in the filing will be equipped with advanced phased array beam-forming and digital processing technologies, as well as optical inter-satellite links.
SpaceX has authorization to deploy up to 15,000 Gen2 Starlink satellites after receiving approval from the FCC in January of this year. SpaceX has said this authorization will allow the Gen2 system to deliver “gigabit-speed service.”
Starlink is currently advertised at speeds up to 400+ Mbps, with standard plans at 100 Mbps and 200 Mbps. Recent data from third party firm Ookla found that Starlink has a median download speed of 100 Mbps or higher in every U.S. state but Alaska.
