2017 - SpaceX plans to launch internet satellites in 2019 to provide internet access worldwide - TomoNews - July 8

HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA — SpaceX has filed an application with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to launch thousands of satellites in order to provide high-speed internet coverage worldwide.

According to the application, SpaceX’s satellite system consists of two sub-constellations of space stations. The first, known as the LEO Constellation, would be comprised of 4,425 satellites in an orbit 1,150 km above the earth. Each satellite can provide service up to 43.95 degrees away from boresight.

The second sub-constellation is called the VLEO Constellation, which includes 7,518 satellites orbiting 335.9 km above the earth. Each satellite can provide service up to 51.09 degrees from boresight.

The satellites in the LEO Constellation can cover approximately 4.5 million square kilometers while those in the VLEO Constellation can cover less than one-tenth of that area.

The deployment of the satellites is expected to begin in 2019 and be completed by 2024.