SpaceX has officially requested FCC approval to launch and operate a third-generation satellite constellation of 100,000 satellites, designed to power human connectivity and AI-fueled progress. SpaceX communication satellites will scale to a 100x increase in bandwidth. It will 50x cheaper $/Gbps when launched using starship. The buildout was accelerated by up to 2 years by using the $85 billion IPO cash raise.
“The artificial intelligence revolution promises a supersonic tsunami of progress with the capability to deliver transformative prosperity to billions and carry the light of human consciousness far into the future. The Gen3 system will include 100,000 satellites operating in very-low-Earth-orbit to deliver extremely low-latency and multi-gigabit symmetrical throughput for consumers, enterprises, and government users and billions of Al-powered devices around the world. To achieve this ambitious goal, the Gen3 system will put new spectrum and sharing frameworks to work for American consumers. Al requires massive uplink capacity to support high-definition.”
The Gen3 system will consist of 100,000 satellites, configured in two bands of thin, closely stacked operational shells with nominal altitudes between 323 and 327.5 kilometers and 473 and 477.5 kilometers. SpaceX seeks flexibility to operate its Gen3 system with inclinations ranging from 26 degrees to 96.9 degrees (sun-synchronous orbit) to optimize coverage consistent with evolving demand.
This new filing is separate from SpaceX’s previous application to operate a constellation of up to 1 million AI satellites. They are two distinct constellations.
SpaceX has officially requested FCC approval to launch and operate a third-generation satellite constellation of 100,000 satellites, designed to power human connectivity and AI-fueled progress.
“The artificial intelligence revolution promises a supersonic tsunami of progress… pic.twitter.com/lG3d21zdHg
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) July 7, 2026
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
