SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Elon Musk, has successfully launched its 7,000th Starlink satellite into space, marking a significant milestone in its quest to provide high-speed internet access across the globe. This latest launch, which included 21 Starlink satellites, took place on Thursday from Florida, bringing the total number of Starlink satellites launched to date to over 7,000.
While the company has launched a large number of satellites, it’s important to note that not all of them are operational. According to astronomer Jonathan McDowell, only 6337 of the 7001 launched satellites are currently functioning, with 5770 in operational orbit.
SpaceX’s ambitious Starlink project aims to create a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit, providing high-speed internet connectivity to even the most remote areas of the world. The company has been steadily launching Starlink satellites since 2019, and its efforts have been crucial to its expanding internet service.
SpaceX has also been aggressively expanding its launch capabilities. As of the end of the second quarter, the company had completed 67 missions using its Falcon launch vehicles, with 66 of these launches utilizing the reliable Falcon 9 rocket. Starlink missions make up a significant portion of SpaceX’s launch schedule.
Looking ahead, SpaceX plans to launch 144 times through the end of the year, averaging twelve launches per month. The company is also moving beyond satellite internet by partnering with T-Mobile to bring direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to the United States. This partnership, announced in August 2022, will provide cellular connectivity to remote locations that lack traditional cell signal coverage.
The integration of Starlink with T-Mobile’s network is expected to be available to T-Mobile customers exclusively for a year before being opened up to other carriers. This innovative approach to connectivity is a testament to SpaceX’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and expanding access to communication services worldwide.
As SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink constellation and its launch capabilities, it is clear that the company is playing a significant role in shaping the future of internet access and telecommunications.
