FCC Chair Calls for Competition After SpaceX Launches 7,000th Satellite

Elon Musk's Starlink has reached a significant milestone with the launch of its 7,000th satellite, which has prompted FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel to advocate for increased competition in the commercial space sector. Speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Aerospace Summit, she pointed out that Starlink now represents nearly two-thirds of all active satellites in orbit, raising concerns about market dominance. Rosenworcel emphasized that competition leads to lower prices and greater innovation, which should also apply to the space industry. To support new entrants in the satellite market, the FCC has initiated a transparency effort aimed at helping companies navigate the regulatory landscape for building their own satellite constellations. This initiative is crucial as it addresses the growing need for diverse players in the market, especially in light of Starlink's significant presence. Additionally, Rosenworcel highlighted the importance of having a five-year deorbit plan for new satellite operators to mitigate space debris concerns. The FCC's recent actions come on the heels of rejecting Starlink's $885 million award from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund due to unmet speed requirements, a decision that Musk criticized as politically motivated. This rejection adds to the ongoing debate about SpaceX's role in the market and its impact on competition. In response to Starlink's dominance, the European Union has announced plans for a multi-billion euro satellite system, IRIS², aimed at providing secure communications and reducing reliance on SpaceX. This move underscores the global effort to foster competition in the space industry, ensuring a more balanced and innovative market landscape.