After achieving huge success with Falcon Heavy, space entrepreneur Mr Musk hopes to now build a worldwide broadband network with satellites after approval was given by the top US communications regulator Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said: “Satellite technology can help reach Americans who live in rural or hard-to-serve places where fibre optic cables and cell towers do not reach.” This weekend’s main launch involves a PAZ satellite being blasted skyward for Hisdesat of Madrid, Spain. Along with the observation satellite, two demonstration ones - known as Microsat-2a and Microsat-2b - will also be attached to the payload on Saturday’s launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

The LA Times reported: “The demonstration satellites, which will be in the shape of a box measuring 3 feet by 2.2 feet by 2.2 feet, will be part of the first phase of testing for SpaceX's so-called constellation, which the company has said would initially consist of 4,425 satellites.” Mr Musk previously spoke in 2015 about his plans to drive a satellite-internet business that would provide low-cost broadband internet worldwide and help to fund a future city on Mars. He said the company wanted to create a “global communications system” that he compared to “rebuilding the internet in space.” and it would be faster than traditional internet connections. According to Geekwire, the project has been given the name Starling.

REUTERS/GETTY SpaceX will launch communication satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket this weekend

Why is SpaceX sending internet satellites into space? SpaceX is said to be one of several companies, including OneWeb and Boeing Co, that plan to launch hundreds or even thousands of small satellites to provide “fibre-like” internet access, especially in rural areas. There are currently about 14 million rural Americans and 1.2 million Americans on tribal lands who lack even slow-speed mobile broadband. Democratic FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said satellite internet service shows great promise.

SpaceX LIVE in pictures: best photos from Tesla Roadster’s journey Thu, February 8, 2018 SpaceX launch: Elon Musk's Falcon Heavy rocket launch in pictures. Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 37 SpaceX livestream shows Elon Musk's cherry red Tesla heading into space

She said: “They will multiply the number of satellites in the skies, creating extraordinary new opportunities ...The FCC should move quickly to facilitate these new services while underscoring our commitment to space safety." What has happened to SpaceX’s Tesla Roadster? SpaceX’s cherry-red Tesla Roadster, launched into space by the Falcon Heavy rocket two weeks ago, is currently cruising through space as it makes its elliptical orbit of the Sun. READ MORE: SpaceX launch: Where is Tesla Roadster RIGHT NOW? How far is it from Earth?

SPACEX SpaceX launch: Tesla Roadster in space

GETTY SpaceX launch: A Falcon 9 rocket about to blast off on March 30, 2017