Network sources report that the Federal Communications Commission has approved SpaceX's request to launch a large number of Internet satellites into space, which should operate in a lower orbit than previously planned. Without receiving official approval, SpaceX could not begin sending the first satellites into outer space. Now the company will be able to begin launches next month, as previously planned.
The request to the communications commission was sent to SpaceX last fall. The company decided to partially revise plans to form a constellation of Starlink satellites. The early agreement allowed SpaceX to launch 4425 satellites into space, which would be located at an altitude of 1110 to 1325 km from the Earth's surface. Later, the company decided to place some of the satellites at an altitude of 550 km, so the initial agreements had to be revised.
SpaceX experts have concluded that at a lower altitude, Starlink satellites will be able to transmit information with less delay. In addition, the use of a lower orbit will reduce the number of satellites needed to form a full-fledged network. Objects located at an altitude of 550 km are more exposed to the influence of the Earth, which means, if necessary, they are easier to remove from orbit. This means that spent satellites will not turn into space debris, since the company will be able to launch them into the Earth's atmosphere, where they will burn up safely.
Source: 3dnews.ru