SpaceX seeks approval to launch 100,000 Starlink satellites into orbit

SpaceX has applied to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to deploy a constellation of 100,000 next-generation "Gen3" Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit, a move that would significantly expand its global broadband network.

According to astronomer and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, the proposed Gen3 satellites would be substantially larger than current Starlink spacecraft, each weighing between 2,000 and 2,500 kilograms and featuring solar arrays covering up to 400 square metres, Space.com reports.

SpaceX currently operates nearly 10,800 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit and has FCC approval to launch about 4,000 more.

Due to their increased size, the Gen3 satellites are expected to be launched aboard SpaceX's Starship rocket rather than the Falcon 9, which currently carries the smaller V2 Mini Starlink satellites.

The company is also pursuing a separate plan to build a one-million-satellite AI network known as Starmind.

By Sabina Mammadli