SpaceX has applied for approval from the Federal Communications Commission to repurpose its ocean-based rocket landing platforms into satellite ground stations, as per reports from Advanced Television. The company seeks permission from the regulator to conduct tests of its Starlink antennas on its autonomous spaceport drone ships (ASDS).

The application outlines SpaceX’s intention to operate up to twelve KA-Band earth stations on autonomous drone ships in US waters across the North Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean. These earth stations will establish communication with SpaceX satellites.

Under this authorization, SpaceX will deploy a maximum of four earth stations per vessel at any given time. The objective is to experiment with antennas onboard the drone ships in the Ka-band spectrum.

The proposed trial is slated to continue until June 29, 2024. SpaceX aims to evaluate the earth stations’ performance as gateways in a maritime setting by transmitting test traffic. During the experiment, the earth stations will connect with SpaceX’s first- and second-generation satellite systems in the Ka-band, focusing on routing NGSO FSS traffic and backhauling local networks.

Starlink has already secured connectivity agreements with various container ship companies such as Fukujin Kisen, Hapag-Lloyd, Seaspan Corporation, Polembros Shipping, Columbia Shipmanagement, Costamare, Sun Enterprises, F. and laeiszhalle. Additionally, cruise liner firms including Ambassador, Cunard, Seabourn, Aqua Expedition, OceanGate Expeditions, Enesel, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Corporation, Windstar Cruises, Hurtigruten, SeaDeam, and American Cruise Line have deployed Starlink terminals.