Starlink Seeks India Approval For 30,000-Satellite Constellation

Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, has submitted a fresh application to the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) seeking approval for its next-generation satellite communication network. The company aims to launch its Gen 2 constellation, comprising nearly 30,000 low-Earth orbit satellites, which will operate at an altitude of 340-615 km.

The Gen 2 constellation includes direct-to-device (D2D) technology, allowing satellite networks to connect directly with mobile phones without requiring specialised equipment. This technology is a significant advancement in satellite communication and could revolutionise the way people stay connected in India.

Starlink had previously applied for both its Gen 1 and Gen 2 constellations to launch services in India. However, IN-SPACe had rejected the company's earlier Gen 2 application due to certain features and spectrum bands not meeting regulatory requirements. In July 2025, IN-SPACe cleared only Starlink's Gen 1 constellation of 4,408 low-Earth orbit satellites, which is meant to offer traditional broadband services.

The approval of the Gen 2 constellation could give Starlink an edge over its rivals, including Reliance Jio's proposed 1,600-satellite low-Earth orbit constellation, Amazon's Leo, and Eutelsat OneWeb. SpaceX plans to deploy around 42,000 satellites for its Gen 2 constellation worldwide, but has sought authorisation for nearly 30,000 of these in India.

The Indian government is considering rules to permit additional satellite communication capabilities, including D2D connectivity. The regulatory clearances for non-geostationary satellite operators, including Starlink, are still pending, and none of these operators have begun commercial operations in the country so far.

The launch of the Gen 2 constellation could have a significant impact on India's emerging satellite communication market. With the increasing demand for high-speed internet and connectivity, the approval of Starlink's Gen 2 constellation could be a major step forward for the country.

In the context of India's growing space industry, the approval of Starlink's Gen 2 constellation could also have implications for the country's space policy and regulations. The Indian government has been actively promoting the development of the space industry, and the approval of foreign companies like Starlink could be a significant step forward in this regard.

Overall, the approval of Starlink's Gen 2 constellation could be a major development for India's satellite communication market and the country's space industry as a whole. It could provide a significant boost to the country's connectivity and internet infrastructure, and could also have implications for the country's space policy and regulations.

The significance of this development cannot be overstated, as it has the potential to revolutionise the way people stay connected in India. With the increasing demand for high-speed internet and connectivity, the approval of Starlink's Gen 2 constellation could be a major step forward for the country, and could have a significant impact on India's emerging satellite communication market.

In conclusion, the approval of Starlink's Gen 2 constellation is a significant development for India's satellite communication market and the country's space industry. It has the potential to provide a significant boost to the country's connectivity and internet infrastructure, and could also have implications for the country's space policy and regulations.