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Space Exploration Technologies Corporation’s (SpaceX) Starlink satellite internet constellation is busy fending off criticism from several competitors to its plans to launch second-generation satellites, potentially through the Starship next-generation launch vehicle platform. Starlink is currently in its beta testing phase and expects to exit testing this month, according to statements made by SpaceX chief Mr. Elon Musk.
The other was Section 25.114, which also outlines that an application filed must be a “comprehensive” proposal.
Viasat also claimed that Starlink’s two mutually exclusive systems would deprive other companies of scarce resources. The Starlink second-generation satellite application submits two scenarios, differentiated by the launch vehicle. In it, SpaceX has outlined that it plans to use either the Falcon 9 or Starship to launch the satellites, and the choice will change satellites’ orbital parameters.
In response, Starlink’s Goldman countered by stating that since his company plans to operate only one of the two proposals submitted, the modified application does not waste spectrum resources by ’locking’ them in.
Viasat responded by calling these arguments spinning the “rhetoric wheel and com[ing] up empty” and stating that Starlink’s response failed to demonstrate how it did not violate Section 25.159(b), which prohibits companies from filing applications for a new satellite system in the same frequency band cannot apply for another system in the same band.
It concluded by adding that “The Commission should not be distracted by the typical SpaceX diversionary tactics.”
In response, Starlink outlined two scenarios where the FCC approved proposals despite them going against Section 25.159(b). The first was The Boeing Company transferring satellites to OneWeb and the second was OneWeb adding satellites and spectrum to its existing constellation.
Hughes rejected these arguments in a filing made last Friday, arguing that the examples provided by SpaceX did not include “multiple” constellations in the same application and that both Boeing and OneWeb had submitted waivers for FCC rules before the Commission accepted their applications for filing.
The Starlink second-generation (Gen2) application is currently waiting for acceptance, enabling it to solicit comments from members of the public. SpaceX’s previous request to modify its current constellation received support from remote areas, with teachers and a non-profit from Alaska voicing strong support for the internet service.
