SpaceX is making headlines with its ambitious plan to enhance its Starlink satellite internet service to provide gigabit-per-second broadband speeds. The company has submitted an application to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) outlining modifications that could revolutionize internet access by delivering high-speed and low-latency broadband to Americans and countless individuals worldwide still lacking sufficient connectivity.

Smaller Updates, Significant Impact

To achieve this tech leap, SpaceX is proposing what it describes as "small-but-meaningful updates" to the configuration of its second-generation (Gen2) satellites. These amendments focus on improving space sustainability and efficiency while adapting to the growing demand for high-speed internet. A key change involves lowering satellite altitudes from the current 525-535 kilometers to 475-485 kilometers. This reconfiguration will maximize the number of orbital planes while ensuring the total satellite count remains under 29,988, supported thus far by FCC approval for 7,500 units.

A Visionary Approach

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, has highlighted that the new generation of Starlink satellites will be larger and will require the company's powerful Starship rockets for deployment. This advanced infrastructure is expected to amplify bandwidth tenfold, coupled with reduced latency benefits thanks to the lowered satellite altitudes.

First envisioned in 2016, these gigabit speeds were part of SpaceX's grand plan even when Starlink was merely conceptual. Once optimized, the goal remains to offer internet services up to 1 Gbps per user in the U.S. and beyond. But as of 2024, Starlink users typically witness download speeds ranging from 25 to 220 Mbps, with latency varying between 25 and 60 milliseconds on land.

Enhancing Performance with Elevation Adjustments

SpaceX is also seeking consent to amend the satellites' elevation angles, reducing them from 25 degrees to 20 degrees for satellites orbiting at altitudes of 400 to 500 kilometers. This adjustment is projected to boost network performance by extending earth station connections and allowing higher engagement with satellites.

Advanced Hardware and Spectrum Flexibility

Further upgrades to the Gen2 satellites promise enhanced hardware capabilities. These enhancements will employ advanced beamforming and digital processing to offer targeted and reliable coverage for users in the U.S. SpaceX also aims for more flexible spectrum license usage, permitting dual use of Ka-, V-, and E-band frequencies for both mobile and fixed-satellite applications where international regulations allow.

These steps underline SpaceX's commitment to not only advancing internet access on a global scale but also sustaining its relevance and capability in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

This story first appeared on Ars Technica.