Astra hopes to launch 13,620 satellites for its broadband constellation

California-based aerospace company Astra plans to launch 13,620 satellites as part of its broadband constellation plan, according to its application to the Federal Communications Commission on November 4. Up until now, the company has focused on building and launching rockets. Its plan for its Astra Constellation has a goal of “providing global secure, high-bandwidth connectivity to enable communications services, environmental and natural resource applications, and national security missions.” Astra wants FCC permission to launch in three phases. The initial deployment phase of the Astra Constellation will feature a single equatorial plane comprised of 40 test satellites operating at 700km altitude, permitting certain early services to be offered in targeted locations. A second phase of 2,296 additional satellites distributed in a set of 56 mid-inclination planes at 700 km and 14 Sun Synchronous Orbital planes at 690 km will permit global broadband services to customers located in all latitudes. A third phase will densify the constellation and enhance service capabilities globally with as many as 11,284 further satellites at two mid-inclination altitudes (390 km and 400 km). Astra says it will build the satellites itself in-house and employ its own rockets for launching.