SpaceX Wants to Launch a Satellite Network to Expand Internet Coverage

SpaceX seeks permission to launch a satellite network.

SpaceX’s and Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk is one of the leading visionaries of our time having funded or invested in a number of companies and organizations that seek the improvement of our world through accessible technology. Now, he has set his eyes on expanding global internet coverage through a new satellite network.

The number of satellites collectively launched into orbit by various countries and companies since the launch of Sputnik I in 1957, is around a few thousand. However, experts estimate that only around 1,400 are still operational. A new report has revealed that SpaceX is seeking permission to launch another 4,425 satellites in the upcoming years.

The commercial space launch company has recently filed an application at the Federal Communications Commission in which it seeks permission to launch a massive satellite network with the purpose of providing high-speed internet to the entire world.

The filed documents reveal that SpaceX’s satellite system can provide a wide range of communications and broadband services for use across all levels, be It institutional, professional, or commercial. The first phase of the plan involves launching 1,600 satellites. Half of them would be required to improve the internet coverage in countries like the United States and its territories like the Virgin Island and Puerto Rico. The satellites will enable internet bandwidth of up to 1 Gbps per user at a low latency.

In regards to the technical details of the plan, each satellite which will be part of the planned network will weigh around 850 lbs. They will orbit the planet at altitudes ranging from 715 miles up to 820 miles. These satellites are much smaller and lighter than the standard satellites currently used in communications services.

SpaceX plans to deliver the satellite network into orbit using both their Falcon 9 and the Falcon Heavy rockets. Each satellite will last around 5 to 7 years, a period after which they will start to decay within a year.

Musk previously discussed his ambitious plan to deliver reliable, fast and accessible internet to the planet in January 2015. However, to do so won’t be cheap. The current filing does not include a cost estimate, however, Musk previously stated that the cost might be around $10 billion.

Image source: Flickr

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Karen Jackson

Karen Jackson has always been passionate about technology. All the way through high-school she immersed herself in computers and web-design. Her ambitious nature helped her become a pro in Adobe Photoshop only by watching online videos and working with the program herself. This is also the program that she mostly uses in the creation of websites at her work-place. Technological innovation and gadgets that push the boundaries of what we are comfortable with have always fascinated her, so expect to see some weird gadget reviews coming from her.