NASA OK With SpaceX Satellites Lower Than International Space Station
NASA is conducting a visiting vehicle study with SpaceX, looking at the potential impact of SpaceX's second-generation constellation on International Space Station operations. In a letter posted Tuesday in docket 23-135, NASA said one aim of the study is ensuring…
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"an appropriate and informed number of satellites are allowed to operate" in orbital shells below the ISS. SpaceX is seeking authority to operate below the ISS (see 2406210006). NASA said it and SpaceX "will continue to collaborate closely to finalize operational guidelines and establish comprehensive safety protocols" involving vehicles traveling to and from the ISS. Given that cooperation, NASA said it supports the FCC letting SpaceX operate up to 400 satellites in the orbital shells below the ISS. It said after the visiting vehicle study is done, it would coordinate any change to that number.