SpaceX Sets New Record with Starlink Satellite Launches
Photo: The Verge
Quick answer
SpaceX accelerated Starlink launches, deploying 1,589 satellites in the first half of 2026 and surpassing 2025 records.
SpaceX continues to accelerate the deployment of its Starlink satellite constellation. According to satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, 1,589 satellites were launched into low Earth orbit in the first half of 2026. This is 100 more than in the same period last year, when SpaceX set a record by launching 3,180 satellites throughout 2025.
Since the Starlink project began, the company has sent over 12,400 satellites into space, with approximately 11,000 still operational. For comparison, Amazon has deployed only about 400 satellites in the last 15 months as part of its Leo project, which aims for a total of 3,232. At its current pace, SpaceX can annually deploy a number of satellites equivalent to Leo's entire planned constellation.
The key to SpaceX's success remains its reusable Falcon 9 rocket, which enables high-frequency launches at reduced costs. This allows the company to maintain leadership in the satellite internet market and outpace competitors, including Amazon's Leo project and other space-based communication initiatives.
Common questions
- How many Starlink satellites did SpaceX launch in 2026?
- In the first six months of 2026, SpaceX deployed 1,589 Starlink satellites, exceeding the same period in 2025 by 100 units.
- How does SpaceX outpace competitors in the satellite internet market?
- Using the reusable Falcon 9 rocket, SpaceX deploys annually a number of satellites comparable to a competitor's full constellation, such as Amazon's Leo project, which plans to launch 3,232 satellites.
- How many Starlink satellites are currently in orbit?
- Currently, about 11,000 Starlink satellites are operational out of over 12,400 launched since the project began.
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