Private rocket launch service SpaceX is requesting
government approval to operate a massive satellite network that
would provide high-speed, global internet coverage, according to
newly filed documents with the U.S. Federal Communications
Commission.
The California-based company, owned and operated by technology
entrepreneur Elon Musk, has proposed an orbiting digital
communications array that would eventually consist of 4,425
satellites, the documents filed on Tuesday show.
The project, which Musk previously said would cost at least $10
billion, was first announced in January 2015.
The latest documents, which include technical details of the
proposed network, did not mention cost estimates or financing
plans.
Financial backers of the company, whose full name is Space
Exploration Technologies Corp, include Alphabet's Google Inc and
Fidelity Investments, which together have contributed $1 billion to
Musk's space launch firm.
The proposed SpaceX network would begin with the launch of about
800 satellites to expand internet access in the United States,
including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the FCC filings
showed.
"The system is designed to provide a wide range of broadband and
communications services for residential, commercial, institutional,
government and professional users worldwide," SpaceX said in
technical documents accompanying its filing.
Similar internet-via-satellite networks are under development by
privately owned OneWeb and by Boeing Co.
Such a system would provide a space-based alternative to cable,
fiber-optics and other terrestrial internet access currently
available.
SpaceX did not say when its launches would occur.
The satellites would be launched into orbits ranging from 714
miles to 823 miles (1,150-1,325 km) above Earth.
Each satellite, about the size of an average car, not including
solar panels, would weigh 850 pounds (386 kg), SpaceX said.
SpaceX's primary business is launching satellites into orbit for
government and commercial customers. It also flies cargo supply
ships to the International Space Station for NASA.
SpaceX rocket launches have been on hold since a Sept. 1 launch
pad accident that destroyed a $62 million Falcon 9 booster and a
$200 million Israeli communications satellite. The company hopes to
resume flights next month.