Starlink seeks Indian approval for Gen 2 satellite network

Starlink satellite internet direct-to-device low Earth orbit space regulation

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is intensifying its efforts to enter the Indian satellite broadband market. The company has reapplied to the Indian space regulator, IN-SPACe, seeking approval for its second-generation (Gen 2) satellite constellation. This proposed network, consisting of approximately 30,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, aims to provide advanced direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, allowing mobile phones to connect directly to satellites without specialized hardware.

Previous regulatory hurdles in India have centered on national security concerns regarding foreign-controlled networks, specifically regarding data handling, lawful interception, and communication routing. While Starlink received approval for its Gen 1 constellation of 4,408 satellites in July 2025, the Gen 2 application had previously faced rejection due to technical and spectrum-related requirements.

Globally, Starlink is expanding its footprint in the aviation sector, having secured agreements with 48 airlines to equip over 7,000 aircraft with satellite internet. Meanwhile, in the competitive landscape of low Earth orbit (LEO) networks, China's SpaceSail has raised approximately $1 billion to expand its Qianfan constellation, positioning itself as a major competitor to Starlink's global dominance.

Entities

Elon Musk · IN-SPACe · India · Shentel · SpaceSail · SpaceX · Starlink · T-Mobile

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The Gen 2 network aims to include approximately 30,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. samacharnama.com · hindi.newsbytesapp.com · www.tv9hindi.com · www.news18.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Regulatory delays in India are linked to national security concerns regarding foreign-controlled satellite networks. www.equitypandit.com · www.news18.com
[● 3 SOURCES] IN-SPACe previously approved Starlink's Gen 1 network in July 2025. samacharnama.com · hindi.newsbytesapp.com · www.tv9hindi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Starlink has secured agreements with 48 airlines to provide satellite connectivity to over 7,000 aircraft. www.airporthaber2.com · businessam.be
[● 3 SOURCES] The Gen 1 network consists of 4,408 low Earth orbit satellites. samacharnama.com · hindi.newsbytesapp.com · www.tv9hindi.com
[● 6 SOURCES] Starlink has reapplied to India's space regulator, IN-SPACe, for approval of its Gen 2 satellite constellation. www.equitypandit.com · samacharnama.com · cryptobriefing.com · hindi.newsbytesapp.com · www.tv9hindi.com · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] China's SpaceSail raised approximately $1 billion to expand its Qianfan satellite constellation. www.aydinlik.com.tr
[● 5 SOURCES] The Gen 2 constellation would feature direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. samacharnama.com · cryptobriefing.com · hindi.newsbytesapp.com · www.tv9hindi.com · www.news18.com