“Our action will allow Kuiper to begin deployment of its constellation in order to bring high-speed broadband connectivity to customers around the world,” the FCC said in its decision. “SpaceX argues that the Commission should limit Kuiper to deploy only 578 satellites in its 630 kilometer orbital shell, and defer action regarding the remainder of the constellation. SpaceX argues that granting this tranche would address Kuiper’s ability to coexist with other systems in and around its 590 kilometer and 610 kilometer shells, and allow for “continued monitoring” of deployment,” the FCC notes. The FCC states it found “Kuiper’s orbital debris mitigation plan to be sufficiently developed to support deployment of its NGSO satellite system, and that granting Kuiper’s request, subject to the requirements and conditions specified herein, will serve the public interest.”
