SpaceX's Starlink Now Has Over 4,000 Satellites in Orbit
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system has crossed a notable milestone by reaching over 4,000 satellites in orbit.
The company today launched another 56 Starlink satellites into space, bringing the total number of Starlink satellites in orbit to 4,023, according(Opens in a new window) to astronomer Jonathan McDowell.
More satellites is good news for Starlink users when network congestion continues to plague the satellite internet system. Starlink has become so popular that its capacity has been stretched, particularly in the US, which can cause speeds to slow.
The milestone also shows SpaceX has been able to complete most of the first-generation Starlink network in four years, after an initial launch in 2019. According to McDowell, SpaceX has since launched 4,340 Starlink satellites, though over 300 of them were later deorbited, likely due to system failures.
SpaceX currently has a license from the US Federal Communications Commission to operate the first-generation Starlink constellation via 4,408 satellites. So to keep expanding the network, the company has already been launching a growing number of satellites for the second-generation Starlink network, which promises faster speeds and better coverage.
In December, SpaceX secured an FCC license to operate up to 7,500 satellites in the second-generation constellation. The company’s goal is to build the network through Starlink launches that could take place every week to every few days.
In recent days, SpaceX has signaled it’s preparing to meet that launch cadence. The company has applied(Opens in a new window) for FCC licenses related to over a dozen Starlink satellite launches that could be scheduled to start as soon as this month. However, the growing
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