SpaceX: Second-Generation Starlink Satellites Will Be Deployed by Both Falcon 9 and Starship

"For its Gen2 constellation, SpaceX intends to launch satellites first into its three 500-kilometer (orbital) shells, then into its lower-altitude shells. More Americans will access high-quality broadband faster as a result "According to the company's filing.

Initially, SpaceX intended to place second-generation Starlink satellites using its Starship vessel. The spacecraft has a maximum capacity of 400 satellites per launch, which is far more than the 60 satellites that a typical Falcon 9 rocket can place into orbit.

Later this year, SpaceX is still planning to launch Starship on a full-scale orbital test mission. Before starting the orbital test flight, the business must still put dozens of environmental mitigations into place. SpaceX informs the FCC that it can start launching second-generation Starlink satellites with current Falcon 9 rockets in the interim.

For the avoidance of doubt, the firm stated that, despite its plans to use both of its fleet's rockets to hasten deployment, SpaceX "remains dedicated to deploying all of its satellites—whether from Starship or from Falcon 9—into orbits outlined in Configuration 1". This arrangement, which SpaceX approved in January, calls for distributing the second-generation Starlink satellites among nine different orbits.

The actual constructions of the satellites will be adjusted to fit the physical dimensions of the rockets on which they will be launched, according to SpaceX, even though they will theoretically be identical on both launchers.

The second-generation Starlink satellites' high-speed internet will function with already-installed consumer Starlink dishes on the ground. Therefore, its implementation could aid in addressing the congestion issues some Starlink users are starting to experience. However, the business is still awaiting regulatory approval from the FCC before deploying the second-generation Starlink network at a time when competitors are either against or have concerns about the idea.