What is Starlink?
Starlink is SpaceX's global satellite internet constellation, launched from 2019. It is the largest constellation in history by satellite count, with over 10,000 satellites in orbit as of March 2026. Operating primarily at 550 km altitude (with supplemental shells at 340 km and 570 km), Starlink provides broadband internet to residential customers, maritime vessels, aircraft, government entities, and enterprise users across approximately 150 countries.
Technology
Gen1 Starlink satellites weigh approximately 260 kg. Gen2 satellites (launched from 2023) are significantly larger (~800 kg), carrying larger phased-array antennas of approximately 25 m² and inter-satellite laser links (ISLs) capable of routing traffic across the constellation without touching the ground. Each Gen2 satellite can deliver up to 80 Gbps of throughput vs. ~18 Gbps for Gen1. The user terminal is a flat-panel phased array (branded Starlink Standard: 59×38 cm) that electronically tracks satellites without mechanical movement.
Performance
Residential Starlink customers experience download speeds of 100–300 Mbps, upload speeds of 20–50 Mbps, and round-trip latency of 25–60 ms. The Maritime tier delivers 350 Mbps and has contracts with major cruise lines and commercial shipping fleets. Starlink Aviation is installed on hundreds of commercial aircraft. A 1 Gbps residential tier is available in low-congestion zones from 2025.
Regulatory and business context
Starlink is authorised by the FCC for up to 12,000 satellites (with an application for 30,000 pending). Its ~$120/month residential subscription generates significant recurring revenue, but the ~$11 billion capital cost of building the constellation means profitability depends on sustained customer growth. Starlink also provides critical communications services in conflict zones, having been deployed extensively in Ukraine from 2022.