Starlink Reapplies for India Approval for 30,000-Satellite Gen 2 Network
Elon Musk's Starlink has reapplied to India's space regulator for authorization of its second-generation satellite constellation. A previous application was rejected due to non-compliance with Indian requirements.
SpaceX-operated satellite internet provider Starlink has submitted a new application to India's national space regulator, IN-SPACe, seeking authorization for its second-generation constellation. The network is planned to comprise nearly 30,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and is reported to include direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity capabilities.
Starlink's previous application for its Gen 2 constellation was rejected by IN-SPACe, reportedly because certain features and spectrum bands did not conform to Indian requirements. In July 2025, the regulator had approved Starlink's first-generation constellation, which consists of 4,408 LEO satellites.
The renewed application covers approximately 30,000 of Starlink's global plans for a Gen 2 constellation of about 42,000 satellites. The D2D capability would allow compatible mobile devices to connect directly to satellites, potentially extending connectivity to remote and underserved regions.
Satellite companies require IN-SPACe authorization, along with spectrum allocation and security clearances, before launching commercial services in India. Starlink faces competition from other planned LEO constellations, including those by Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio.