SpaceX Plans to Launch Multiple Starlink Satellites, Aims for 12 Flights Per Month in 2024
SpaceX's ambitious plan targets at least 144 flights in 2024 to support Starlink's satellite-to-cell service, despite concerns about overcrowding in near-Earth orbit and potential light pollution.
- SpaceX has plans to significantly increase Starlink satellite launches with the aim of conducting 144 flights, or 12 per month, in 2024. This was shared by company exec Bill Gerstenmaier during a U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Space and Science session.
- Starlink satellites provide broadband service to customers globally. As of now, SpaceX has already launched over 5,000 of these satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). The company anticipates many more liftoffs since it has permission to deploy 12,000 Starlink satellites and is seeking approval for an additional 30,000.
- The increase in Starlink satellite launches is also linked to SpaceX's ambition to roll out satellite-to-cell service. The plan for this new service was unveiled earlier this year, indicating the company's intention to place even more satellites in Earth's orbit.
- While the expansion of the Starlink service is unsurprising, there are growing concerns about the congestion and overcrowding of near-Earth orbit. This issue is anticipated to escalate as commercial space stations increase and NASA prepares to retire the International Space Station (ISS) in a few years.
- Questions have also been raised about the impact of the increasing number of satellites on light pollution. The launch of cellular-based satellites, such as BlueWalker 3, has already caused bright lights in the sky, contributing to the ongoing light pollution issue.
Space.com 
BGR 
