Ever since its inception, SpaceX has aimed to defy the limits of science and technology as the world has learned to understand it. Now, in its most recent project, the company of Elon Musk is pushing itself to launch over four thousand satellites into space. The aim is to improve internet and communication services around the globe.
SpaceX itself has not provided an official statement, but BBC reports that the company has already applied for government permission to do the same. The file that was provided to the US Federal Communications Commission (FFC) laid out the details for a 4,425 satellite network. Apparently, the space agency is not the only company looking into this type of service as the likes of Intesat, SES, Telesat and Boeing are at varying stages of the same project.
As just one of the parties seeking approval to launch, SpaceX - headed by Elon Musk - aims to provide global service. "Once fully deployed, the SpaceX system will pass over virtually all parts of the Earth's surface," the company said in a statement. "Therefore, in principle, [the system will] have the ability to provide ubiquitous global service."
As TechnoBuffalo explains, what would result is easily accessible internet services from virtually anywhere in the world. Theoretically, the services will allow access to internet even from planes - which is already an existing service, but will be more widespread. On the other hand, companies might have the option to choose a global broadband network, which would allow them to access data services from anywhere in the world.
The satellites would, essentially, orbit from 714 to 823 miles from the Earth's surface. This would put the SpaceX satellites somewhere in between the International Space Station and the geostationary satellites. But while the paperwork has already been filed as early as now, it might take years, even decades, before the technology becomes a reality.
