The US government has approved SpaceX’s plan to launch thousands of next-generation Starlink satellites, significantly expanding the company’s global internet service.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said it had authorised SpaceX to deploy an additional 7,500 second-generation (Gen2) Starlink satellites. This brings the total number of satellites the company will have in orbit to around 15,000. 

The FCC said the approval marked a “significant milestone in global broadband connectivity” by enabling SpaceX to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet service globally. 

SpaceX began launching its Starlink satellites in 2019. As of January 2026, the constellation consists of over 9,422 satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

The FCC’s decision will allow SpaceX to upgrade its next-gen Starlink satellites with more advanced technology and has also granted permission for them to operate across a wider range of radio frequencies and in a greater number of orbital configurations. It is also waiving prior requirements that prevented overlapping coverage and enhanced capacity.

The statement said the additional satellites will provide direct-to-cell connectivity outside the US and supplemental US coverage, which will allow for next-gen mobile services.

SpaceX originally wanted approval to deploy nearly 30,000 satellites, but the FCC is only granting approval for 15,000 for now. Part of the deal is that SpaceX must launch 50% of the Gen2 satellites by 1 December 2028, placing them in their assigned orbits, with the rest to follow by December 2031. But the company seems satisfied with the outcome.

Brendan Carr, FCC chairman, said: “President Trump is restoring America’s technology leadership. And this FCC authorisation is a game-changer for enabling next-generation services. 

“By authorising 15,000 new and advanced satellites, the FCC has given SpaceX the green light to deliver unprecedented satellite broadband capabilities, strengthen competition, and help ensure that no community is left behind.”

In the UK, 2025 saw a surge in satellite broadband, with Elon Musk’s Starlink increasing its UK customers to more than 100,000 for the first time. Starlink connections rose by over a quarter, from around 87,000 to over 110,000 – a majority of which were in rural areas that otherwise couldn’t access decent fixed-line or wireless broadband. 

In October 2025, Virgin Media O2 announced a deal with Starlink to bring satellite-based connectivity to even more rural areas across the UK. The new service, O2 Satellite, is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026.  

However, the increasing use of satellites in LEO has been criticised by the space sector over the potential environmental impact when they burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.