Second Generation Starlink to launch on Falcon 9

SpaceX filed a Special Temporary Authority requesting permission to fly their newest, second generation of Starlink satellites in the months of December of 2022 and January of 2023. These Generation 2 satellites were originally planned to launch on SpaceX’s Starship rockets, but due to slow progress and delays of the program, it was announced that Gen 2 satellites would be flying on the tried and true Falcon 9. 

Starlink 

Starlink is a service provided by SpaceX, with a goal of creating worldwide internet connectivity with use of a constellation of orbital satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit. Starlink currently has 3,506 operational satellites in orbit, making it by far the most expansive constellation in Earth orbit to date. Starlink's bar is high, with an aspirational goal of 42,000 satellites eventually working collectively to connect Earth. So far, SpaceX has launched primarily the smaller and dedicated Gen 1 Starlink satellites. The Starship program opened the door for larger, more powerful Starlinks to be launched at the necessary capacity for operation. Following delays, pushbacks, and troubleshooting across the Starship program, SpaceX is hoping to make up for lost time by launching a smaller number of satellites on the Falcon 9 while the Starship program becomes operational.

STA Filing

SpaceX’s filing of the STA confirms that Starlink Gen 2 will be launching on Falcon 9, breaking the speculation of the transition. The STA, for Special Temporary Authority, is a process through the FCC to grant temporary license to use communication, along with telemetry and tracking of launches of the Gen 2 satellites for a launch scheduled within the next 60 days. SpaceX is still in the process of getting a permanent license to operate with the Gen 2 satellites, but is yet to be granted, prompting this filing.

Click here to view the filing.

Planned on launching in late December, the Starlink 5-1 mission will be the first launch of the Starlink Gen 2 Program, lifting off from the Space Coast aboard a Falcon 9.