SpaceX wants to upgrade Starlink to deliver gigabit speeds

On Oct 11th, 2024, SpaceX submitted a request to the FCC to make several changes to the Starlink Network. The changes are part of SpaceX's Gen2 NGSO satellite network, which SpaceX claims will bring several improvements. Namely, the network's speed will enable it to deliver gigabit service to Starlink customers. Other improvements come in the form of lower network latency,  ubiquitous mobile connectivity, and network changes to help meet increased customer demand.

To achieve this increased performance, SpaceX is asking to lower three groups of their satellites by about 8.5 percent from their current nominal altitude. SpaceX claims this will contribute to space sustainability by reducing the "passive-decay collision probability and post-mission disposal time frame of Gen2 satellites." This is to say that the satellites will be less likely to crash into other satellites and burn up in the earth's atmosphere quicker when they reach the end of their lifespan. The changes to a lower orbit will also make it easier for SpaceX to deploy more satellites in the future as demand is growing for service, especially in rural areas. To build on deploying more satellites, SpaceX requests to change the number of satellites in a group to provide as much coverage as possible.  

In addition to the lower nominal altitude, SpaceX asks for a five-degree change in the minimum elevation angle from 25 to 20 degrees. This change would increase the time a satellite can communicate with earth stations by allowing the satellite to maintain contact despite being closer to the horizon. However, there are concerns that this lower altitude will cause interference with other satellite systems, but SpaceX included evidence to the contrary. 

Ultimately, many people have concerns about these proposed changes, and many third parties are vested in not letting them happen. Amazon, astronomers, and regulators have different and equally valuable reasons to argue against SpaceX. The full filing is available below for more information on the proposed changes.