The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Starlink's plans to deploy an additional 7,500 of its Gen2 satellites to comprise a 15,000-satellite constellation.

The FCC approved a second tranche of 7,500 Starlink Gen2 satellites Jan. 9, expanding the size of SpaceX’s authorized next-generation constellation.

A SpaceX executive said the move would reduce the "likelihood of collision" with other satellites and space debris.

“Lowering the satellites results in condensing Starlink orbits, and will increase space safety in several ways,” Nicolls explained, citing the decreased debris density below 500km, as well as “a >80 percent (sic) reduction in ballistic decay time in solar minimum,” meaning the satellites will fall faster at this altitude.

Did you spot a string of lights in the skies over central Indiana on Wednesday night? FOX59/CBS4 received numerous calls and emails from Hoosiers about a strand of lights seen in

The Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilization and Technological Innovation, a recently established organization, submitted applications for two satellite constellations on Dec. 29