NASA supported placing Starlink satellites in low orbit – there were previously concerns that this would interfere with the ISS

NASA has supported the idea of ​​​​placing Starlink satellites in an orbit with an altitude of only about 300 km, which lies below the orbit of the ISS. So far, the space agency is talking about the experimental placement and operation of 400 devices in this orbit for 60 days. The agency sent a corresponding appeal to the FCC.

Image source: Mariia Shalabaieva / unsplash.com

SpaceX wants permission to place Starlink satellites in an orbit between 340 and 360 km, which will help reduce delays when the devices can connect directly to mobile phones. The company intends to launch several thousand satellites into orbit below the ISS. In 2022, the same NASA called Starlink satellites a likely obstacle to sending missions to the ISS, but the day before it sent a letter (PDF) to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in which it said that it was working with SpaceX on a research project dedicated to the possibility operate the devices in an orbit of about 300 km.

«Given the progress made and the continued positive collaboration between SpaceX and NASA, NASA will support FCC actions that will initially allow the continuous operation of 400 satellites in 300 km altitude orbits. This support reflects the ongoing cooperation between the parties to ensure safe and efficient operation of the satellites,” the document says. So far we are talking about an experimental project lasting 60 days, after which NASA intends to take control of the size of the orbital constellation at this altitude.

Previously, SpaceX submitted a request to the FCC for permission to operate almost 30,000 second-generation Starlink satellites, including in orbits from 340 to 360 km. NASA’s support is a small victory for the company in the project to modernize its group of devices. Opponents in this matter include both competing companies and scientists.