Starlink Expands Service: 10,000 Satellites by Early 2026

SpaceX's Starlink is on track to surpass 10,000 satellites in orbit by February 2026, a significant milestone for the ambitious satellite internet project. As of late 2023, Starlink has launched more than 9,000 active satellites, translating to roughly 60% of all operational satellites currently orbiting Earth.

This expansion is pivotal for enhancing global internet connectivity, particularly in underserved regions, as it allows for improved service with higher speeds and lower latency. Starlink currently serves over eight million users across more than 150 countries, showcasing its rapid growth.

The upcoming Starlink V3 satellites are expected to offer up to 20 times the capacity of current models and will be launched exclusively using SpaceX's Starship. Additionally, Starlink's versatility is evident as its technology was recently used in off-road racing, demonstrating its capability to maintain reliable internet connections in extreme conditions.

This expansion occurs alongside increasing competition from Amazon's Project Kuiper, which is expected to begin operations in early 2026, but Starlink's head start in satellite count and customer base presents a significant advantage.