Starlink seeks India approval for Gen 2 satellite network

MUMBAI: Starlink is once again reaching for the skies in India. Elon Musk-owned SpaceX’s satellite internet venture has made a fresh application to India’s space regulator for approval of its second-generation satellite constellation, as it looks to expand its satellite communication ambitions in the country.

According to The Economic Times, Starlink has approached the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for approval of its Gen 2 network. The application also covers direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, a technology that could allow compatible mobile devices to connect directly to satellite networks.

The latest filing comes after Starlink’s earlier attempt to secure approval for both its first- and second-generation networks. IN-SPACe approved the company’s Gen 1 constellation in July 2025, but did not clear Gen 2 at the time because some of its features and frequency bands did not meet Indian requirements.

Starlink’s approved Gen 1 network comprises 4,408 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and is designed to provide conventional broadband services.

The fresh Gen 2 proposal covers satellites operating at altitudes between 340 km and 615 km above Earth. Globally, SpaceX plans to deploy around 42,000 satellites as part of the constellation, while its Indian application seeks authorisation for nearly 30,000 satellites.

The company could seek approval for additional satellites at a later stage, according to the report.

The D2D component could be particularly significant as India weighs expanding satellite communication capabilities. Unlike conventional satellite broadband that relies on dedicated terminals, D2D technology is designed to connect compatible mobile devices directly through satellite networks, potentially extending connectivity beyond the reach of terrestrial infrastructure.

Starlink’s renewed application arrives as competition in India’s satellite communications market gathers pace.

A Gen 2 approval could give Starlink greater coverage and capacity than competing projects, including Reliance Jio’s proposed 1,600-satellite LEO constellation, Amazon Leo and Eutelsat OneWeb.

But regulatory approval for the constellation would only be one piece of the puzzle.

Starlink would still require security clearances and spectrum allocation before it could commercially launch satellite communication services in India.

For now, the latest application puts Starlink back in the regulatory orbit and potentially closer to turning its next-generation satellite ambitions into an Indian service.