SpaceX and Tesla-founder Elon Musk envisions to provide netizens with worldwide broadband access by sending into space a "constellation" of internet-providing satellites.
This is just one of the many bold promises Musk has made over the years which also include plans to build a fleet of reusable rockets, create an Interplanetary Transport System, colonize Mars, and revolutionize transportation.
The visionary entrepreneur is racing against time, as SpaceX filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in November 2016 for a license to operate this constellation of non-geostationary satellites (NGS).
Recognizing the urgency of Musk's mission, the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation called for a hearing earlier this week to explore the SpaceX proposal to build such next-generation internet telecommunications satellites.
During the hearing, the committee listened to representatives of government and other industry players who explained the best ways to provide people around the world greater access to streamlined broadband access (especially in rural areas), establish the necessary infrastructure, and encourage private investment.
In her presentation at the hearing, Patricia Cooper - VP of Satellite Government Affairs for SpaceX - highlighted the company's vision.
"SpaceX sees substantial demand for high-speed broad band in the United States and worldwide. As the Committee is aware, millions of Americans outside of limited urban areas lack basic, reliable access," Cooper said.
"Furthermore, even in urban areas, a majority of Americans lacks more than a single fixed broadband provider from which to choose and may seek additional competitive options for high-speed service," she added.
Cooper strongly made the.case that SpaceX's proposed satellite constellation made up of 4,425 broadband internet satellites could provide the whole world with high-speed internet access.
In supporting her argument to build such a facility, she cited recent FCC findings, which showed that millions of Americans are behind other developed nations in terms of broadband speed, access, and price competitiveness.
Based on these findings, thirty-four million American citizens do not have access to 25 megabits per second ("Mbps") broadband service.
Moreover, 47 percent of students in America lack the connectivity to meet the FCC's short-term goal of 100 Mbps per 1,000 students and staff.
Industry experts expect SpaceX to succeed in its plans to send its fleet of internet satellites to space due to the company's reusable Falcon 9 rockets, although this may be a major challenge even for the pioneering rocket maker.
Over the years, SpaceX has established an excellent record at building rockets.
However, the comapny has little experience in designing satellites, and at the same time, would have to contend with placing so many satellites in space.
Once successful, SpaceX's internet satellite satellites could rake in profits that would enable it to finance the company's ultimate goal of sending humans to Mars.