NASA has supported the idea of ​​placing Starlink satellites in an orbit with an altitude of only about 300 km, lower than the orbit of the ISS. So far, the space agency is talking about experimentally placing 400 devices into this orbit and operating them for 60 days. The agency sent a corresponding objection to the FCC.

SpaceX is seeking permission to place Starlink satellites in an orbit between 340 and 360 km high; This will help reduce delays where devices can connect directly to mobile phones. The company plans to place several thousand satellites in orbit below the ISS. The same NASA had described Starlink satellites as a possible obstacle to sending a mission to the ISS in 2022, but the other day it sent a letter to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and announced that it was working on a research project with SpaceX. It is dedicated to the possibility of operating devices in an orbit of approximately 300 km.

“Given the progress made and the continued positive collaboration between SpaceX and NASA, NASA will support the FCC’s action to allow continued operation of 400 satellites initially in 300 km orbits. “This support reflects the ongoing cooperation between the parties to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the satellites.”says the document. For now, this is a 60-day experimental project, after which NASA plans to take control of the orbital grouping population at this altitude.

Previously, SpaceX had submitted a request to the FCC for permission to operate approximately 30,000 second-generation Starlink satellites, including those in orbits between 340 and 360 km. NASA’s support for the project to modernize the instrument cluster is a small victory for the company. In this case, the competitors are both rival companies and scientists.