Starlink Set to Surpass 10,000 Satellites by Early 2026

SpaceX's Starlink constellation is set to surpass 10,000 satellites in orbit by February 2026, marking a significant milestone in what is regarded as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects ever deployed in space.

According to Tesla North, the pace of Starlink's satellite launches has increased dramatically over the past six years, with 120 satellites deployed in 2019, escalating to 953 in 2020, nearly doubling to 1,740 in 2021, and surpassing 3,600 by the end of 2022.

By late 2023, the total number of launches reached over 5,600, climbing to more than 7,600 in 2024, and currently exceeding 10,600. Despite accounting for satellites that have reached end-of-life and been deorbited, Starlink maintains over 9,000 active satellites in orbit.

This rapid growth positions Starlink to control roughly 60% of all operational satellites orbiting Earth, enhancing its service delivery. The increased satellite density translates to better internet service, particularly for rural and underserved areas, contributing to Starlink's growth to over eight million users worldwide across more than 150 countries.

Furthermore, Starlink's ambitions extend beyond internet provision; the company is developing space-based infrastructure akin to terrestrial data centers. The rollout of Starlink V3 satellites, expected to begin in Q4 2026, promises significantly larger and more powerful units, delivering up to 20 times the capacity of current models.

Elon Musk has indicated potential future developments in AI-focused satellites and solar-powered data centers in space. This expansion occurs amidst growing competition, notably from Amazon's LEO service, which is set to begin commercial operations in early 2026, yet Starlink's current lead in satellite count and usage presents substantial challenges for competitors.