SpaceX proposes using its Starship spacecraft to swiftly deploy the second-generation Starlink constellation, enabling denser rural coverage with fewer satellites in orbit.
SpaceX's official plan calls for launching 12,000 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), with filings to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2019 revealing intentions for an additional 30,000 satellites in the coming years.
Success here could mean a total of 42,000 Starlink satellites. Starship's development—designed for delivering cargo and astronauts to the Moon and Mars—positions it to deploy these satellites more efficiently, as reported by SpaceNews.
SpaceX specifically offers Starship for rapid second-generation deployment. This strategy promises denser rural coverage while capping satellites at 29,988 across nine inclined orbits at altitudes between 340 and 614 kilometers.
It would deliver "denser polar coverage for rural subscribers” as well as "national security and first responder customers” for "more consistent network performance”.
An alternative configuration, filed with the Federal Communications Commission on August 18, relies on Falcon 9 rockets for 29,996 satellites across twelve orbital inclinations at altitudes between 328 and 614 kilometers. This keeps the constellation size in check compared to original plans.
SpaceX favors the Starship option, which would enable satellites to become operational "weeks after launch, rather than months”.
The crowding of low Earth orbit raises alarms among astronomers and regulators worldwide, with multiple constellations set to add thousands of satellites. SpaceX's Starlink draws much of this scrutiny, but Elon Musk seeks to address concerns.
Gen2 satellites will be "a little bigger and generate more power than originally expected”, Musk acknowledged. Like the over 1,600 operational Starlink satellites, Gen2 models will feature collision avoidance software and on-board propulsion to mitigate risks.
Positioned at lower altitudes than first-generation satellites, Gen2 units will reflect less sunlight, reducing interference with astronomical observations.
