How Many Starlink Satellites Are in Orbit in 2025?

SpaceX’s Starlink project has become the world’s largest satellite network.
As of 2025, thousands of satellites are in low Earth orbit, delivering broadband internet to users worldwide.
This post explores the current count, how the network functions, and its global impact.

Overview of the Starlink Satellite Program

Starlink is a project by SpaceX aimed at providing global high-speed internet using a mega-constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Unlike traditional satellites in geostationary orbit, Starlink satellites orbit closer to Earth, enabling lower latency and faster connections.

Each satellite weighs around 260 kg and operates in orbits between 340 km and 550 km in altitude.
They communicate with ground stations and user terminals to deliver internet access in underserved areas.

SpaceX began launching Starlink satellites in May 2019.
Using Falcon 9 rockets, they regularly deploy batches of 20 to 60 satellites per mission.
Most satellites are arranged into “shells” that cover specific latitudes to ensure global service.

The long-term goal is to deploy over 40,000 satellites.
As of 2025, the network already includes several thousand active units, with thousands more planned.

Total Number of Starlink Satellites in Orbit (Updated 2025)

As of April 2025, SpaceX has launched over 6,000 Starlink satellites.
Of these, more than 5,200 remain in orbit, and approximately 4,800 are operational.

The remaining satellites are either deorbited or non-functional.
SpaceX uses autonomous collision avoidance systems and deorbiting protocols to manage old or faulty units.

Launch frequency has increased dramatically.
In 2024 alone, over 1,300 satellites were added.
SpaceX now launches new satellites nearly every week, enabled by rapid Falcon 9 reusability.

For real-time data, users can visit platforms like Space-Track.org or Jonathan McDowell’s satellite database.
These sites provide verified satellite tracking and launch logs.

The Starlink constellation continues to grow in both volume and capacity, improving internet access in rural and remote areas worldwide.

How Many Starlink Satellites Are Operational vs. Deorbited?

Of the 6,000+ satellites launched, around 4,800 are active and providing service.
Roughly 400 remain in orbit but are not functioning, while over 1,000 have been deorbited.

Deorbiting is a controlled process.
When satellites reach end-of-life or become unresponsive, they are directed to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up safely.

SpaceX follows FCC regulations and space sustainability guidelines.
They aim to remove failed satellites within 5 years to reduce orbital debris.

How Starlink Satellite Launches Work

Each launch deploys up to 60 satellites at a time using Falcon 9 rockets.
Satellites are packed in a flat-stack configuration, then released into low orbit.

Once deployed, satellites use onboard ion thrusters to reach their target orbits.
They then begin transmitting and mesh with the existing network.

A single launch can go from pad to orbit in under 10 minutes.
After separation, the Falcon 9 booster returns to Earth for reuse, often landing on drone ships.

Launch sites include Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg Space Force Base, and Kennedy Space Center.

Why So Many Satellites? The Reason Behind the Massive Constellation

Traditional satellites cover wide areas but suffer from high latency.
Starlink uses a large number of smaller satellites for better coverage and faster speeds.

LEO satellites can deliver sub-30ms latency, rivaling fibre-optic connections.
However, each one covers only a small area.
To offer continuous service, thousands must work together in sync.

The large constellation also enables redundancy.
If one satellite fails, others can take over, minimising service disruption.

This model allows Starlink to provide coverage even in regions with no traditional infrastructure.

Starlink’s Global Coverage in 2025

Starlink now offers internet in over 60 countries.
Coverage spans North America, Europe, parts of Asia, Australia, and South America.

Its LEO configuration allows service in remote and rural areas where cable or fibre is unavailable.
Users only need a terminal, power source, and a clear view of the sky.

Coverage in the US

In the US, Starlink offers near-complete coverage, including Alaska and rural territories.
Service speed ranges between 50 Mbps and 250 Mbps.

It’s popular in farming communities, mountainous regions, and areas with limited ISPs.

Coverage in Other Regions

Europe and Australia enjoy widespread availability, with growing presence in Africa and South America.
In some countries, regulatory approvals are pending, delaying deployment.

As more satellites launch, coverage gaps will continue to shrink.

Future Starlink Launch Plans

SpaceX plans to expand the constellation to over 12,000 satellites in the next few years.
They also aim to deploy a second-generation network, Starlink V2, with enhanced capacity and coverage.

These newer satellites will offer:

• Higher throughput
• Direct-to-device connectivity
• Better inter-satellite communication via laser links

SpaceX has also partnered with mobile providers to deliver satellite-to-phone service in 2025.

This includes emergency SMS and voice connectivity in off-grid locations.

About One World Rental

One World Rental is a trusted technology rental partner specializing in event tech solutions across the United States.
We provide short-term and long-term rentals of cutting-edge devices, including VR headsets, iPads, laptops, Wi-Fi solutions, and interactive displays—tailored to support events, conferences, exhibitions, and training sessions.

Our extensive inventory includes leading virtual reality devices such as Oculus Quest 2, Pico 4, HoloLens 2, and Pico Neo 3, ensuring seamless and immersive experiences for product demos, education, or brand activations.

Why choose One World Rental?

• Nationwide coverage across major US cities
• Rapid deployment and onsite technical support
• Expert consultation to match the right tech with your event goals
• 24/7 customer service for complete peace of mind

Whether you’re hosting a trade show in New York, a corporate event in Los Angeles, or a pop-up activation in Miami, One World Rental delivers reliable tech backed by professionals who understand the demands of live events.

Visit One World Rental to learn more or request a quote.

FAQs About Starlink Satellites

Q: Who owns Starlink?
A: Starlink is a division of SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk.

Q: How many satellites can Starlink support?
A: The FCC has approved up to 12,000, with applications for an additional 30,000.

Q: Are Starlink satellites safe for space traffic?
A: Yes. SpaceX uses autonomous systems to avoid collisions and manages deorbiting protocols.

Q: Will Starlink replace ground internet?
A: No. It complements terrestrial options, especially where cables can’t reach.

Q: Can I see Starlink satellites in the sky?
A: Yes, they are sometimes visible shortly after launch, moving in a straight line.