Washington/IBNS: The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Thursday issued an order approving SpaceX's request to deploy an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites.

Starlink, a network of 3,500 satellites active in low-Earth orbit, has users in the US willing to shell out $599 for a user terminal and $110 per month for service, as per a Reuters report.

The FCC order read, "Specifically, we grant SpaceX authority to construct, deploy, and operate up to 7,500 satellites operating at altitudes of 525, 530, and 535 km [kilometers] and inclinations of 53, 43, and 33 degrees, respectively, using frequencies in the Ku- and Ka-band." 

However, the FCC deferred consideration of SpaceX’s proposed use of E-band frequencies and tracking beacons in its satellites.

SpaceX also seeks approval to operate a network of 29,988 non-geostationary orbit satellites for its Starlink constellation, which provide internet to areas with little to no access.

The internet constellation operated by SpaceX has been playing a key role in helping Ukraine's military to operate and communicate on the battlefield.

However, it sent a letter in Sept. to the US Defense Department requesting funding for the Starlink systems in Ukraine, claiming it could no longer pay for the service out of pocket.

Musk later withdrew the request.

(With UNI Inputs)