Starlink is the name of a satellite network developed by the private spaceflight company SpaceX to provide low-cost internet to remote locations.
A Starlink satellite has a lifespan of approximately five years and SpaceX eventually hopes to have as many as 42,000 satellites in this so-called megaconstellation.
The current V2 Starlink satellite version weighs approximately 1,760 lbs (800 kilograms) at launch, almost three times heavier than the older generation satellites (weighing in at 573 lbs or 260 kg), according to Spaceflight Now.
Related: Wild solar weather is causing satellites to plummet from orbit
How many Starlink satellites are there?
As of July 2023, there are 4,519 Starlink satellites in orbit, of which 4,487 are operational, according to Astronomer Jonathan McDowell who tracks the constellation on his website.
The size and scale of the Starlink project concerns astronomers, who fear that the bright, orbiting objects will interfere with observations of the universe, as well as spaceflight safety experts who now see Starlink as the number one source of collision hazard in Earth’s orbit. In addition to that, some scientists worry that the amount of metal that will be burning up in Earth’s atmosphere as old satellites are deorbited could trigger unpredictable changes to the planet’s climate.
Starlink satellite tracker
Starlink satellites orbit approximately 342 miles (550 kilometers) above Earth and put on a spectacular show for observers as they move across the sky. This show is not welcomed by all and can significantly hinder both optical and radio astronomical observations.
You don’t need any special equipment to see Starlink satellites as they are visible to the unaided eye. The satellites can appear as a string of pearls or a “train” of bright lights moving across the night sky. Starlink satellites are easier to see a day or two after their launch and deployment then become progressively harder to spot as they climb to their final orbital height of around 342 miles (550 km).
Related: Starlink satellite train: How to see and track it in the night sky
Our list of the best stargazing apps may help you with your Starlink viewing planning. If you want to see where all of the Starlink satellites are located in real-time check out this Starlink map showing the global coverage of each Starlink satellite as well as information on how many are currently in service, inactive or have burned up in Earth’s atmosphere.
Related: How to photograph Starlink satellites guide.
Starlink coverage
To see current Starlink internet availability around the world, and if it’s available where you are, Starlink has an interactive map detailing locations where Starlink internet is available, which areas are on the waitlist as well as areas that are “coming soon”.
“Starlink is ideally suited for areas where connectivity has been unreliable or completely unavailable,” the Starlink main page states. “People across the globe are