The rocket company SpaceX has said that it wants to launch a network of thousands of satellites to provide worldwide internet coverage. It has filed to the US Federal Communications Commission, asking for permission to launch the 4,425 satellites into space. The satellites would orbit the Earth at altitudes varying from 714 miles to 823 miles. SpaceX commented on the scheme, saying: “Once fully deployed, the SpaceX system will pass over virtually all parts of the Earth's surface and therefore, in principle, have the ability to provide [a] ubiquitous global [internet] service.” If the FCC grants SpaceX permission to go ahead and launch its satellites, it is estimated that they would be up and orbiting by 2020.Â
