/sci/ - Science & Math

SpaceX Aims to Test Cellular Starlink System With 840 Satellites
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https://www.pcmag.com/news/spacex-aims-to-test-cellular-starlink-system-with-840-satellites
>The company filed the application for the experimental license this week as the FCC continues to mull whether to give SpaceX full authorization to operate the satellite-to-cellular communication service amid concerns about interference.
>According to the filing, SpaceX is requesting “special temporary authority” to conduct the test starting on Dec. 10 through a period lasting 180 days. The goal is to test out the system in partnership with T-Mobile using the carrier’s licensed radio spectrum to beam the satellite connectivity to 2,000 test devices.
> "Over the 180-day experimental STA period, SpaceX expects to operate approximately 840 satellites with direct-to-cellular payloads," the company wrote, suggesting it's quickly building up the capacity to launch the cellular Starlink system.
> “At any given time, approximately 60 of these 840 (satellite) payloads will be serving handsets in the United States under this experimental authorization,” the application adds. SpaceX will beam the satellite connectivity to 13 areas across the US, including Mountain View, California; Kansas City, Kansas; and Houston, Texas.