Approval Order of the Federal Communications Commission of the United States Regarding the Deployment and Operational Authorization of the Second-Generation Starlink Satellite System

Key Chapter Title List

1. Authorization and Order Overview
2. Orbital Positions and Satellite Scale
3. Service Nature and Scope
4. Spectrum Usage Authorization
5. Modifications to Previous Authorizations
6. Operating Conditions and Partially Deferred Matters
7. Service Area

Document Introduction

This document is a formal Authorization and Order (DA 26-36) issued by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on January 9, 2026. Its core content involves the review and partial approval of the modification application submitted by Space Exploration Holdings, LLC (SpaceX) regarding the deployment and operation authorization for its second-generation Starlink (Gen2) Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite system. This document signifies a critical regulatory advancement for SpaceX's large-scale satellite constellation plan, clearing some of the obstacles for deploying its full second-generation constellation totaling 15,000 satellites.

The document first outlines the basis for this authorization, namely a series of modification and amendment applications submitted by SpaceX. After comprehensively evaluating petitions, comments, and letters submitted by multiple satellite companies, industry groups, and the public, the FCC made a decision of partial approval/partial deferral. The authorization permits SpaceX to operate up to 15,000 satellites across several specified orbital shells. These shells cover altitudes from 340 km to 535 km, with inclinations ranging from 28 degrees to 96.9 degrees, forming a complex and multi-layered Low Earth Orbit architecture. Notably, the authorization includes adaptive provisions to accommodate launches from the Starship base in Boca Chica, Texas, allowing a choice of 32-degree or 28-degree inclination for the 365 km and 475 km orbital shells.

The core modifications of this authorization involve multiple technical and managerial dimensions. First, it upgrades the previously authorized 7,500 satellites, including adopting a new satellite form factor, authorizing the use of additional Ku, Ka, V, and W-band frequencies, and permitting simultaneous provision of Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) and Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) in specific frequency bands. Second, it adds several new orbital shells (e.g., 355 km, 365 km, 475 km, 480 km, 485 km) and requires the satellites currently operating at 525 km, 530 km, and 535 km to be lowered to new orbits at 480 km, 485 km, and 475 km, respectively. Third, it authorizes SpaceX to flexibly deploy satellites among the approved orbital shells to meet customer demand and comply with relevant International Telecommunication Union resolutions. Furthermore, the document approves the deployment of the second batch of 7,500 satellites, with orbital and frequency parameters identical to the first batch.

Regarding spectrum authorization, the document details the service link and gateway link frequencies authorized for SpaceX, ranging from the VHF beacon band up to the W-band (up to 87 GHz). This includes Mobile Satellite Service bands (e.g., 1980-2020 MHz and 2180-2200 MHz) for services such as Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) and direct-to-cell connectivity globally. Simultaneously, the FCC approved SpaceX's request to remove the restriction limiting operation to only one co-frequency and co-polarization beam per location at a time and granted an exemption from Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limits for its operations within the United States. However, the Commission explicitly deferred consideration of some SpaceX requests, including MSS operations outside the U.S. in other frequencies within the 1429-2690 MHz band, operations in the 20.2-21.2 GHz and 30.0-31.0 GHz bands, and the application to authorize exceeding the total limit of 15,000 satellites.

In summary, this FCC Authorization and Order is a highly technical and strategic regulatory document. It not only outlines the vast physical and spectral architecture of SpaceX's second-generation Starlink system but also reflects the complex trade-offs made by regulators among promoting commercial space innovation, managing Low Earth Orbit resources and frequency interference, and balancing the concerns of multiple stakeholders. This authorization establishes the formal regulatory foundation for SpaceX to build a global, high-capacity, low-latency satellite internet and communication network. Its subsequent implementation will have profound impacts on the global satellite communication landscape, LEO environmental safety, and the evolution of related international rules.