The U.S. regulatory authorities have recently approved a large-scale satellite deployment plan — a network solution for 7,500 new satellites has been approved. Concurrently, stakeholders received $740 million in space contracts to support this initiative. This generation of new satellites achieves technological leaps across multiple dimensions.

First, let's look at the changes in communication capabilities. Inter-satellite laser communication bandwidth has increased from 20Gbps in the previous generation to 100Gbps, a fivefold increase, which also means the first mass deployment of 100Gbps-level laser links globally. What are the direct benefits of this upgrade? Lower latency, more stable signals, and a significant improvement in overall network efficiency.

There are also major improvements in user experience. The new satellites fully support direct-to-phone services — you don't need to buy specialized terminal equipment; ordinary smartphones can connect to the satellite network. In terms of internet speed, the system has been optimized for symmetrical gigabit (Gbps) data rates, resulting in a noticeable qualitative leap in daily usage experience.

Hardware modifications are also substantial. Solar wings have adopted a single-board design and increased in size; laser inter-satellite links are now standard, reducing dependence on ground stations and further lowering communication latency; antenna systems have been upgraded to more powerful phased array solutions; the propulsion system has been replaced with krypton ion thrusters; and the operational orbit has been lowered — some satellites are planned to operate at an altitude of only 340 kilometers, further optimizing latency performance.

Regulatory requirements are clear: at least 50% of the satellites must be launched by the end of 2028, with full deployment completed by the end of 2031. The implementation of this scale ultimately relies on the mature capacity of heavy-lift rockets. However, issues such as space debris management and impacts on astronomical observations are still under ongoing regulatory scrutiny.