Story perspectives

FCC Approves SpaceX’s 15,000-Satellite Starlink Expansion

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 3:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

FCC Approves Starlink

The Federal Communications Commission approved SpaceX’s request to deploy and operate 15,000 Starlink satellites.
The FCC waived the rule requiring leasing of terrestrial carrier spectrum for the service.
CEO Dan Schulman said Starlink has not affected broadband growth and is not a viable competitor.
Amazon Leo plans a direct-to-device LEO broadband service in South Africa around 2028, partnering with ISP Herotel from 2027.

Summary

Russia Launches Rassvet

Russia placed the first 16 Rassvet satellites into orbit on March 23, 2026.
The Rassvet constellation targets 292 satellites by 2030 with federal funding.
Bureau 1440 unveiled the 1440.ULTRA terminal, delivering up to 700 Mbps and weighing under 15 kg.
The 1440.ULTRA operates from –40 °C to +40 °C and is IP67-rated for submersion.
Dmitry Medvedev warned that blocking Rassvet could force Starlink satellites to deorbit like ornaments.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 Iridium deployed a 66-satellite LEO network, but filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 1999. The company revived the system with the Iridium NEXT campaign, launching 75 new satellites on SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets between January 2017 and January 2019. SpaceX’s role in Iridium’s renewal shows how today’s massive LEO projects build on that early, costly experience.

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FCC Approves Starlink

The Federal Communications Commission approved SpaceX’s request to deploy and operate 15,000 Starlink satellites.
The FCC waived the rule requiring leasing of terrestrial carrier spectrum for the service.
CEO Dan Schulman said Starlink has not affected broadband growth and is not a viable competitor.
Amazon Leo plans a direct-to-device LEO broadband service in South Africa around 2028, partnering with ISP Herotel from 2027.

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