How Many Starlink Satellites Are in Orbit as of April 17?

Starlink has quickly become the biggest satellite internet provider and has steadily increased satellite launches to keep up with demand. There have been over 11,800 Starlink satellites launched—though the number of satellites in orbit is lower and currently sits just over 10,200.

The most recent SpaceX satellite launch was on April 14, 2026, but launches occur often, so expect the number to continue increasing quickly. Let’s break down the number of Starlink satellites, how they are categorized, and, more importantly, how these numbers impact customers.

How many Starlink satellites have been launched

Starlink has launched 11,856 satellites in total as of April 17, which is very impressive considering the first launch in 2019 only deployed a batch of 60 satellites. There have been 639 completed missions from SpaceX, so it’s no surprise to see how the number of satellites launched has grown substantially over the last few years.

But not all satellites launched are actively operating in space, meaning some satellites aren’t working. The number of total satellites launched includes all satellites that have been placed on rockets, even if those satellites deorbited, were prototypes, or failed. Let’s take a look at the numbers for working satellites and those actively in orbit.

Starlink’s satellites in orbit VS. working satellites

Starlink satellites are launched, become operational, and are retired when they are no longer working. Of the 11,856 satellites launched, there are 10,263 satellites in orbit, meaning these satellites are circling the Earth. But a few of these satellites are not actively operating, dropping the working satellite number to 10,245. In order to be classified as an operational satellite, satellites must be active and in the assigned position.

Working satellite numbers are what directly impact Starlink’s satellite internet performance. The more operational satellites, the more network capacity, lower latency, and faster speeds can be offered by Starlink to customers.

Starlink’s future goals and how customers will be impacted

Most of SpaceX’s launches are aimed at growing the Starlink satellite constellation, and rightfully so—Starlink operates the world’s largest satellite constellation. Starlink now has over 10 million subscribers and has made its mark as a global satellite internet provider. Earlier this year, the FCC gave its approval for SpaceX to launch a total of 15,000 satellites. With this authorization, SpaceX can build, deploy, and operate an extra 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites.

This expansion of Starlink’s satellite constellation won’t just lead to faster satellite internet speeds with lower latency—it will also pave the way for satellite mobile coverage and elevate the potential for faster internet and mobile across the world.