SpaceX Launches 10,000th Starlink Satellite Today
SpaceX reached a significant milestone today, October 18, 2023, by launching its 10,000th Starlink satellite into orbit. A Falcon 9 rocket, carrying 28 Starlink internet satellites, lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 19:46 EDT (23:46 GMT; 16:46 local time). This launch marks a pivotal moment for the company, as it surpasses the previous total of 9,988 satellites, according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.
The journey of Starlink began in February 2018, when SpaceX launched its first two prototypes into low Earth orbit (LEO). The company made significant advancements in building its satellite megaconstellation 15 months later. Public beta testing for Starlink service started in October 2020, followed by a commercial rollout in 2021. Today, Starlink serves millions of customers globally, with SpaceX continuously enhancing its service by deploying an increasing number of satellites.
Rapid Expansion of Starlink’s Capabilities
SpaceX has accelerated its launch pace dramatically, executing 89 Starlink missions in 2024 alone and already surpassing that number this year. The company has secured permission to deploy up to 12,000 satellites and is planning for a future that could include over 30,000 spacecraft in its constellation. Currently, approximately 8,610 of the 9,988 Starlink satellites remain operational, while the others have been deorbited safely, burning up in Earth’s atmosphere. Each satellite has an operational lifespan of around five years.
Today’s launch is part of SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to expand its satellite network and enhance internet access worldwide. If everything proceeds as expected, the Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage will return to Earth, landing in the Pacific Ocean on the SpaceX drone ship Of Course I Still Love You, approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. This mission marks the 11th launch and landing for this particular booster, designated as 1088.
The upper stage of the rocket will continue its ascent, deploying the 28 Starlink satellites about 60 minutes after launch, further solidifying SpaceX’s position as a leader in satellite internet technology. With such rapid advancements and a clear vision for the future, SpaceX remains poised to redefine global internet connectivity.
