SpaceX is nothing if not formidable.
Elon Musk‘s firm simply filed an utility with the U.S. Federal Communications Fee (FCC) to function a 100,000-member constellation of “Gen3” satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
It will presumably be an up to date model of SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network, according to astronomer and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, who reported the news via X today (July 9).
SpaceX have filed for a 100,00 satellite tv for pc “Gen3 NGSO” system. Presumably Starlink Gen3, however they do not name it that. The sats are 2000-2500 kg, space 300 to 400 sq m. Orbits 320-480 km at numerous inclinations. Have added to my web page at https://t.co/uFI9aoSNnMJuly 9, 2026
The brand new plan would dramatically develop Starlink’s already in depth orbital footprint. SpaceX presently operates nearly 10,800 of the web spacecraft in LEO and has FCC approval for about 4,000 extra.
And every particular person Gen3 satellite tv for pc shall be significantly bigger than its predecessors. Based on McDowell, SpaceX’s FCC utility states that every one will weigh 4,400 to five,500 kilos (2,000 to 2,500 kilograms) and canopy an space of three,230 to 4,300 sq. toes (300 to 400 sq. meters) with its photo voltaic arrays prolonged.
For perspective: The Starlink satellite tv for pc model that SpaceX is launching as of late, referred to as the V2 Mini, weighs about 1,760 kilos (800 kg) and covers about 1,250 sq. toes (116 sq. meters), according to SpaceflightNow.
SpaceX launches V2 Minis aboard its workhorse Falcon 9 rocket, usually in fleets of 29 satellites apiece. The Gen3 is so huge, nevertheless, that it’s going to most likely have to fly on Starship, the enormous, super-heavy-lift rocket that SpaceX is creating to assist get folks to the moon and Mars, amongst different duties.
Starlink Gen3 is not even the largest satellite tv for pc assemblage that SpaceX is cooking up: The corporate additionally goals to construct a million-strong AI megaconstellation known as Starmind.
“Launching a constellation of 1,000,000 satellites that function as orbital information facilities is a primary step in the direction of turning into a Kardashev II-level civilization, one that may harness the solar’s full energy, whereas supporting AI-driven purposes for billions of individuals at this time and guaranteeing humanity’s multi-planetary future,” Musk wrote in a February 2026 update concerning the deliberate AI constellation.
Numerous different corporations, together with Amazon and Blue Origin, are additionally constructing out massive constellations in LEO, or plan to take action within the close to future.
Quite a lot of folks and organizations have objected to how crowded Earth orbit is turning into, voicing issues concerning the results on astronomical observations, wildlife, Earth’s environment and humanity’s enjoyment of the night time sky, amongst different points.
