History of Starlink in Timeline
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a subsidiary of SpaceX. It provides internet coverage to approximately 130 countries and territories, with plans to offer global mobile broadband. Starlink has significantly contributed to SpaceX's growth and represents a major advancement in satellite-based internet accessibility.
2004: SpaceX opens Washington D.C. office
In 2004, Larry Williams, SpaceX VP of Strategic Relations, opened the SpaceX Washington DC office.
2005: South African Electronic Communications Act, 2005
The South African Electronic Communications Act, 2005 requires telecom licensees to allocate at least 30% equity ownership to historically disadvantaged groups.
2012: Starlink Name Inspired by Novel
In 2012, the name Starlink was inspired by the novel The Fault in Our Stars.
June 2014: Discussions Break Down, SpaceX Files ITU Application
In June 2014, discussions between Elon Musk and Greg Wyler about a satellite constellation broke down. Subsequently, SpaceX filed an International Telecommunications Union (ITU) application via the Norwegian Communications Authority under the name STEAM.
January 2015: Early Plans for Starlink Constellation
In January 2015, initial plans projected the Starlink constellation would consist of approximately 4,000 cross-linked satellites, more than double the number of operational satellites in orbit at the time.
February 2015: SpaceX asks FCC to consider innovative uses of Ka-band spectrum
In February 2015, SpaceX requested the FCC to consider innovative uses for the Ka-band spectrum, as SpaceX was a new entrant in the satellite communications market. They were concerned that upcoming 5G communication regulations would create barriers to entry for them. They mentioned that their satellite constellation would operate in high-frequency bands above 24 GHz.
February 2015: Analysts question response to LEO satellite threat
In February 2015, financial analysts questioned established geosynchronous orbit communications satellite fleet operators regarding their response to the competitive threat posed by SpaceX and OneWeb LEO communication satellites.
June 2015: SpaceX Announces Plans to Launch First Demonstration Satellites in 2016
In June 2015, SpaceX announced plans to launch the first two demonstration satellites in 2016. This target date was later moved out to 2018.
October 2015: SpaceX assessing business case for satellite network
In October 2015, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell indicated that while development continues, the business case for the long-term rollout of an operational satellite network was still in an early phase.
2015: Telesat announces smaller satellite constellation
In 2015, Telesat announced plans for a smaller 117 satellite constellation, with initial service targeted for 2021.
July 2016: SpaceX Acquires Creative Space in Irvine, California
In July 2016, SpaceX acquired an additional 740 m (8,000 sq ft) creative space in Irvine, California for signal processing, RFIC, and ASIC development for the satellite program.
October 2016: Focus on Low-Cost User Equipment Design
By October 2016, the satellite division was focusing on achieving a sufficiently low-cost design for the user equipment. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell stated that the project remained in the design phase as the company sought to tackle issues related to user-terminal cost.
November 2016: SpaceX Applies to FCC for License
In November 2016, SpaceX applied to the FCC for a license to operate a "non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite system in the fixed-satellite service using the Ku- and Ka- frequency bands".
2016: Confirmed Connection and Starlink Licensing
In 2016, SpaceX confirmed the connection between STEAM and Starlink in the application to license Starlink with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
January 2017: Expands Redmond Facility
By January 2017, SpaceX had taken on a second 2,800 m (30,000 sq ft) facility in Redmond.
January 2017: Projected Annual Revenue
In January 2017, SpaceX expected annual revenue from Starlink to reach $12 billion by 2022 and exceed $30 billion by 2025.
March 2017: SpaceX Plans to Field V-band Satellites
In March 2017, SpaceX filed plans with the FCC to field a second orbital shell of more than 7,500 'V-band satellites in non-geosynchronous orbits to provide communications services' at 340 km altitude.
September 2017: FCC Grants License with Conditions
In September 2017, the FCC granted SpaceX a license that required half of the constellation to be in orbit within six years and the full system to be operating within nine years from the date of the license.
October 2017: Market players cancel GEO satellite investments
By October 2017, the expectation for large increases in satellite network capacity from emerging lower-altitude broadband constellations caused market players to cancel some planned investments in new geosynchronous orbit broadband communications satellites.
2017: Space Debris Mitigation Plan
In late 2017, SpaceX filed documents with the FCC to clarify their space debris mitigation plan.
February 2018: Launch of the first Starlink Satellites
Between February 2018 and May 2024, SpaceX successfully launched over 6,000 Starlink satellites into orbit, including prototypes and satellites that later failed or were de-orbited before entering operational service.
February 2018: Launch of Test Satellites
In February 2018, SpaceX launched two test satellites.
February 22, 2018: Launch of test satellites Tintin A and Tintin B
On February 22, 2018, SpaceX began flight testing their satellite technologies with the launch of two test satellites. The two identical satellites were called MicroSat-2a and MicroSat-2b during development but were renamed Tintin A and Tintin B upon orbital deployment. The satellites were launched by a Falcon 9 rocket, launching with the Paz satellite.
March 2018: FCC Approves Initial Satellites
In March 2018, the FCC granted SpaceX approval for the initial 4,425 satellites, with conditions including obtaining a separate approval from the ITU and achieving higher de-orbiting reliability.
May 2018: Cost Estimation for Starlink
In May 2018, SpaceX estimated that the total cost of designing, building, and deploying the Starlink constellation would be at least US$10 billion.
May 2018: Cost Estimate
In May 2018, SpaceX estimated the total cost of designing, building, and deploying the Starlink constellation would be at least US$10 billion.
May 2018: Cost Estimate and Reorganization
In May 2018, SpaceX estimated the total cost of development and buildout of the constellation to approach $10 billion. In mid-2018, SpaceX reorganized the satellite development division in Redmond and terminated several members of senior management.
August 2018: Consolidated Seattle-Area Operations
In August 2018, SpaceX consolidated all their Seattle-area operations with a move to a larger three-building facility at Redmond Ridge Corporate Center to support satellite manufacturing in addition to R&D.
November 2018: Amazon announces AWS ground station unit
In November 2018, Amazon announced its large network of twelve satellite ground station facilities known as the "AWS ground station unit".
November 2018: SpaceX Announces Plans to Operate Initial Shell of Satellites at 550 km Altitude
In November 2018, SpaceX announced they would like to operate an initial shell of about 1600 satellites in the constellation at about 550 km orbital altitude, similar to the orbits of Tintin A and B.
November 2018: Regulatory Approval to Deploy V-band Satellites
In November 2018, SpaceX received U.S. regulatory approval to deploy 7,518 V-band broadband satellites, in addition to the 4,425 approved earlier. At the same time, SpaceX requested the ability to alter its license to operate approximately 1,600 of the 4,425 Ka-/Ku-band satellites at a lower altitude.
February 2019: Request to operate fixed satellite Earth stations
In February 2019, a sister company of SpaceX, SpaceX Services Incorporated, filed a request with the FCC to receive a license for the operation of up to a million fixed satellite Earth stations that would communicate with its non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite Starlink system.
April 2019: Amazon announces Project Kuiper satellite constellation
In April 2019, Amazon announced plans to launch 3,236 satellites over the next decade for "Project Kuiper", a broadband internet satellite constellation that would work with Amazon's existing satellite ground station network.
April 2019: FCC Approves Placement of Nearly 12,000 Satellites in Three Orbital Shells
In April 2019, the FCC approved the request to place nearly 12,000 satellites in three orbital shells: initially approximately 1,600 in a 550 km altitude shell, and subsequently placing approximately 2,800 Ku- and Ka-band spectrum satellites at 1,150 km and approximately 7,500 V-band satellites at 340 km.
May 2019: First 60 satellites launched into 550 km orbit
In May 2019, SpaceX launched the first 60 satellites of the constellation into a 550 km orbit. The satellites had a requested lower minimum elevation angle of beams to improve reception: 25° rather than the 40° of the other two orbital shells.
May 2019: Launch of 60 Starlink v0.9 satellites
In May 2019, the 60 Starlink v0.9 satellites were launched with specific characteristics.
May 2019: First Batch of Operational Satellites Launched
In May 2019, the first batch of 60 operational Starlink satellites were launched.
May 2019: First Significant Deployment of Starlink Satellites
In May 2019, the first significant deployment of 60 Starlink satellites occurred, with each satellite weighing 227 kg (500 lb).
June 2019: SpaceX applies for license to test ground terminals
In June 2019, SpaceX applied to the FCC for a license to test up to 270 ground terminals across the United States, including SpaceX employee homes and aircraft-borne antenna operation.
October 15, 2019: SpaceX seeks spectrum for additional satellites and Musk tests Starlink network
On October 15, 2019, the United States FCC submitted filings to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on SpaceX's behalf to arrange spectrum for 30,000 additional Starlink satellites. That month, Musk publicly tested the Starlink network by using an Internet connection routed through the network to post a first tweet to social media site Twitter.
November 2019: Launch of Starlink v1.0 Satellites
Since November 2019, the Starlink v1.0 satellites have been launched with additional characteristics.
November 20, 2019: Signal loss and noise recorded at Cerro Tololo Observatory
On November 20, 2019, the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory's Blanco telescope recorded signal loss and image noise, which correlated with the transit of a recently launched Starlink satellite train.
2019: Transition to Manufacturing and Launch Rate Goals
By late 2019, SpaceX was transitioning their satellite efforts from research and development to manufacturing, aiming for a launch rate of 44 spacecraft per month to meet FCC spectrum allocation license requirements.
2019: US Air Force Tests Starlink with Aircraft
In 2019, tests by the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) demonstrated a 610 Mbit/s data link through Starlink to a Beechcraft C-12 Huron aircraft in flight and the United States Air Force successfully tested a connection with Starlink on an AC-130 Gunship.
2019: Started launching Starlink satellites
SpaceX began launching Starlink satellites in 2019.
March 2020: SpaceX reports producing six satellites per day
In March 2020, SpaceX reported producing six satellites per day.
April 2020: Request to lower satellite orbits and modify network architecture
In April 2020, SpaceX requested to lower all other higher satellite orbits to about 550 km. SpaceX also modified the architecture of the Starlink network and submitted an application to the FCC proposing to operate more satellites in lower orbits in the first phase.
April 17, 2020: SpaceX to test light pollution mitigation methods
On April 17, 2020, SpaceX announced in an FCC filing that it would test new methods for mitigating light pollution from its satellites and provide satellite tracking data to astronomers.
April 27, 2020: Musk announces new sunshade design
On April 27, 2020, Elon Musk announced the introduction of a new sunshade designed to reduce the brightness of Starlink satellites.
June 2020: SpaceX Requests Authorization for Canada
In June 2020, SpaceX formally requested authorization to provide Starlink services in Canada from the Canadian regulatory authority.
June 2020: Customer antenna photos seen on the internet
In June 2020, customer antenna photographs were first seen on the internet. The antennas, internally known as 'Dishy McFlatface,' were similar to a 'UFO on a stick' as described by SpaceX CEO Musk. The Starlink terminal has motors to self-adjust to an optimal angle.
July 2020: Approvals for five ground stations in the United States
As of July 2020, SpaceX had approvals for five ground stations out of the at least 32 ground stations they applied for to the FCC, each in different US states.
July 2020: Limited Beta Internet Service Opened
In July 2020, Starlink's limited beta internet service was opened to invitees from the public. Invitees had to sign non-disclosure agreements, and were only charged $2 per month to test out billing services.
September 2020: SpaceX applies for permission to put terminals on ships
In September 2020, SpaceX applied for permission to install terminals on 10 of its ships, with the intention of entering the maritime market in the future.
October 2020: SDA Awards SpaceX Contract to Develop Missile Tracking Satellites
In October 2020, SDA awarded SpaceX an initial $150 million dual-use contract to develop 4 satellites to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
October 2020: SpaceX launches "Better Than Nothing Beta" in the U.S.
In October 2020, SpaceX launched a paid-for beta service in the U.S. called "Better Than Nothing Beta", charging $499 for a user terminal, with an expected service of "50 to 150 Mbit/s and latency from 20 to 40 ms over the next several months".
October 2020: Wider Public Beta Launched
In October 2020, a wider public beta was launched for Starlink, where beta testers were charged the full monthly cost and could speak freely about their experience. Beta testers reported speeds over 150 Mbit/s.
October 2020: Sunshade analysis reveals marginal dimming
In October 2020, an analysis of over 200 Starlink satellites equipped with sunshades found them to be only marginally fainter than DarkSat.
November 6, 2020: Canada Approves Starlink
On November 6, 2020, Canada became the first country to approve Starlink services, with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announcing regulatory approval for the Starlink low Earth orbit satellite constellation.
November 2020: Canada Approves Starlink
In November 2020, the Canadian regulatory authority approved SpaceX's request to provide Starlink services in Canada.
2020: Samsung satellite constellation proposal stagnates
By 2020, no further public information had been released regarding Samsung's 2015 proposal for a 4,600-satellite constellation.
2020: SpaceX Hires General Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy
In 2020, SpaceX hired retired four-star general Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, who is associated with Starlink's military satellite development.
2020: Air Force Uses Starlink in Live-Fire Exercise
In 2020, the Air Force used Starlink in support of its Advanced Battlefield management system during a live-fire exercise, demonstrating connectivity to a variety of air and terrestrial assets including the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker.
2020: Successful Testing of Inter-Satellite Laser Links
In late 2020, Starlink successfully tested its inter-satellite laser links.
2020: Expected Continuous Coverage
SpaceX expected up to six launches in 2019 with 720 satellites (12 × 60) for continuous coverage in 2020.
2020: Global Chip Shortage
The 2020-2023 global chip shortage delayed Starlink terminal production.
January 2021: Starlink Rolls Out Service in Canada
In January 2021, SpaceX officially rolled out Starlink services in Canada, two months after receiving regulatory approval.
January 2021: Paid-for beta service extended to the United Kingdom
In January 2021, SpaceX's paid-for beta service, previously launched in the US in October 2020, was extended to other continents, starting with the United Kingdom.
January 2021: Study finds sunshade brightness at 31% of original design
In January 2021, a study determined that the brightness of Starlink satellites with sunshades was 31% of the original design.
January 24, 2021: Launch of Starlink v1.5 satellites
Since January 24, 2021, the Starlink v1.5 satellites have been launched with additional characteristics.
February 2021: NRECA urges FCC to vet SpaceX subsidy applications
In February 2021, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) urged the FCC to "actively, and aggressively, and thoughtfully vet" the subsidy applications of SpaceX and other broadband providers as part of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).
March 2021: Mobile Terminal Application Submitted
In March 2021, SpaceX submitted an application to the FCC for mobile variations of their Starlink terminal designed for vehicles, vessels and aircraft.
April 2021: The FCC approved SpaceX's application for use of the E-band
In April 2021, The FCC approved SpaceX's application for use of the E-band in their constellation
May 2021: Study warns of interference from fast-moving satellite stations
According to a May 2021 study, a large number of fast-moving transmitting stations (i.e., satellites) will cause further interference, inevitably increasing the time needed for each study and limiting the overall amount of science done.
May 2021: Mobile Transceiver Testing
In May 2021, SpaceX tested high-altitude low-velocity mobile use on a rocket prototype, later applying to the FCC to use mobile Starlink transceivers on launch vehicles flying to Earth orbit in June.
2021: Chinese authorities complain about Starlink satellites
In 2021, Chinese authorities lodged a complaint with the United Nations regarding evasive maneuvers performed by their space station to avoid Starlink satellites, citing risks to astronauts aboard the Chinese Tiangong space station.
2021: Sanjay Bhargava to Head Starlink Venture in India
In 2021, Sanjay Bhargava, former PayPal team member, was announced to head Starlink satellite broadband venture in India.
2021: SpaceX Preparing for Starlink v2 Production
In 2021, SpaceX was preparing for the production of Starlink v2 satellites. According to Musk, Starlink v2 satellites will be an order of magnitude better than Starlink 1 in terms of communications bandwidth.
2021: Subscriber Numbers Impacted by Chip Shortage
In 2021, Starlink terminal production delays due to the chip shortage led to only 5,000 subscribers for the last two months.
2021: Pre-Orders Opened to Public
In early 2021, Starlink pre-orders were first opened to the public in the United States and Canada.
2021: Telesat planned service
Telesat announced a smaller 117 satellite constellation in 2015 with plans to deliver initial service in 2021.
January 2022: Deployment of National Security Satellites
In January 2022, SpaceX deployed four national security satellites for the U.S. government on their Transporter-3 rideshare mission.
February 3, 2022: Launch of Starlink Group 4-7
On February 3, 2022, 49 satellites were launched as Starlink Group 4–7. A geomagnetic storm that occurred the following day caused the atmosphere to warm and density at the low deployment altitudes to increase. As a result, 38 satellites reentered the atmosphere by February 12.
February 8, 2022: NTIA warns FCC about Starlink constellation impact
On February 8, 2022, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) submitted a formal letter to the FCC on behalf of NASA and the NSF, warning about the potential impact of the Starlink constellation on low Earth orbit, collision risk, science missions, rocket launches, the International Space Station, and radio frequencies.
February 2022: IAU establishes center to address satellite constellation effects
In February 2022, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) established a center to help astronomers manage the adverse effects of satellite constellations like Starlink.
April 25, 2022: Hawaiian Airlines Partners with Starlink
On April 25, 2022, Hawaiian Airlines announced an agreement with Starlink to provide free internet access on its aircraft, becoming the first airline to adopt Starlink.
May 2022: Average Starlink satellite collision avoidance maneuvers
As of May 2022, the average Starlink satellite had conducted fewer than three collision-avoidance maneuvers over the preceding 6 months.
May 2022: Chinese Researchers Discuss Destroying Starlink Constellation
In May 2022, Chinese military researchers published an article describing a strategy for destroying the Starlink constellation if they threaten national security due to their military capabilities. Russian officials also warned of potential military targets in the future.
May 2022: Starlink Enters the Philippine Market
In May 2022, Starlink entered the Philippine market, marking its first deployment in Asia. This was facilitated by a legislative change (RA 11659, Public Services Act) allowing full foreign ownership of utility entities. Starlink received provisional permission from various government departments and began offering commercial services, focusing on regions with lower internet connectivity.
May 2022: Regulatory Approval Granted for Nigeria, Mozambique, and the Philippines
In May 2022, it was announced that regulatory approval had been granted for Starlink services in Nigeria, Mozambique, and the Philippines.
June 2022: IAU releases website for satellite tracking
In June 2022, the IAU released a website for astronomers to track satellites, enabling them to avoid or time observations for minimal impact on their work.
July 2022: Starlink Available in 36 Countries
By July 2022, Starlink internet service was available in 36 countries and 41 markets worldwide.
July 2022: Introduction of Starlink Maritime
In July 2022, Starlink Maritime became available, providing internet access on the open ocean with speeds of 350 Mbit/s. This service required the purchase of a maritime-grade $10,000 user terminal and a $5,000 monthly service fee.
August 2022: Reduced Monthly Service Costs in Select Countries
In August 2022, SpaceX lowered monthly service costs for Starlink users in select countries, with users in Brazil and Chile seeing monthly fee decreases of about 50%.
August 2022: FCC Filings Indicate Two Form Factors for Gen2 Satellites
In August 2022, SpaceX made formal regulatory filings with the FCC that indicated they would build satellites of the second-generation (Gen2) constellation in two different, but technically identical, form factors: one with the physical structures tailored to launching on Falcon 9, and one tailored for launching on Starship. Starlink v2 is both larger and heavier than Starlink v1 satellites.
August 2022: SpaceX Secures First Passenger Shipping Industry Contract
In August 2022, SpaceX secured its first contract for services in the passenger shipping industry, with Royal Caribbean Group adding Starlink internet to Freedom of the Seas and planning to offer the service on 50 ships by March 2023 under its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands.
August 2022: Security specialist presents technical architecture details of Starlink terminals
In August 2022, security specialist Lennert Wouters presented technical architecture details about the then-current Starlink terminals. The main control unit of the dish is a STMicroelectronics custom designed chip code-named Catson which is a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53-based control processor running the Linux kernel and booted using U-Boot.
August 2022: $885.5 Million Aid Package Revoked
In August 2022, the FCC revoked an $885.5 million federal subsidy awarded to SpaceX, stating that Starlink "failed to demonstrate" its ability to deliver the promised service.
September 2022: Starlink Services in 40 Countries
As of September 2022, Starlink broadband services were available in 40 countries, despite the network's near-global reach below 60° latitude. Applications for regulatory approval were pending in many more countries.
September 2022: Starlink Trials Begin at McMurdo Station
In September 2022, trials for Starlink services began at McMurdo Station in Antarctica.
September 2022: Original Launch Date for Missile Tracking Satellites
The first batch of satellites to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles, developed by SpaceX under contract from the SDA, were originally scheduled to launch in September 2022.
December 1, 2022: FCC Approves Second-Generation Constellation
On December 1, 2022, the FCC approved SpaceX to launch the initial 7500 satellites for its second-generation (Gen2) constellation in three low-Earth-orbit orbital shells.
December 2022: Starlink Trials on Antarctic Field Missions
From December 2022, Starlink trials extended to field missions in Antarctica, which uses polar-orbiting satellites with optical interlinks for connection due to the absence of ground stations.
December 2022: Starshield Announcement
In December 2022, SpaceX announced Starshield, a separate Starlink service designed for government entities and military agencies, which allows the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to own or lease Starshield satellites.
December 2022: Reached 1 Million Subscribers
In December 2022, SpaceX announced that Starlink had reached over 1 million subscribers.
2022: Starlink Speeds Degraded in First Half of 2022
According to internet analysis company Ookla, Starlink speeds degraded during the first half of 2022 as more customers signed up for the service. SpaceX has said that Starlink speeds will improve as more satellites are deployed.
2022: SpaceX Withdraws Plans for V-band System
By 2022, SpaceX had withdrawn plans to field the 7,518-satellite V-band system, superseding it with a more comprehensive design for a second-generation (Gen2) Starlink network.
2022: Starlink Business Service Announced
In 2022, SpaceX announced the Starlink Business service tier, providing higher performance with speeds between 150 and 500 Mbit/s for $2500 for the antenna and a $500 monthly service fee. The FCC also approved the licensing of Starlink services to boats, aircraft, and moving vehicles.
2022: Starlink Revenue and Net Loss
In 2022, Starlink's revenues were reportedly $1.4 billion accompanied by a net loss.
2022: V-band plans subsequently withdrawn
In November 2018, SpaceX received U.S. regulatory approval to deploy 7,518 V-band broadband satellites, in addition to the 4,425 approved earlier; however, the V-band plans were subsequently withdrawn by 2022.
2022: Starlink Operating Unlawfully in South Africa
Starlink has been operating unlawfully in South Africa since 2022 due to not having the correct licensing. As found in June 2025
2022: Cash-Flow-Positive Quarter
The Starlink business unit had a single cash-flow-positive quarter during 2022.
2022: Musk's Contact with Russian Government Officials
The Wall Street Journal reported in October 2024 that Musk had been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high ranking Russian government officials since late 2022, discussing personal topics, business and geopolitical matters.
February 2023: Launch of first batch of Generation 2 spacecraft
In February 2023, SpaceX launched the first batch of Generation 2 "Mini" Starlink spacecraft, which are smaller than the full-sized Gen 2 satellites. Brightness mitigation is achieved by using a mirror-like surface and orienting solar panels to reflect sunlight away from ground observers.
February 2023: Frequencies added in the 71–86 GHz W band
Until February 2023, Starlink used the Ka-band to connect with ground stations. With the launch of v2 Mini, frequencies were added in the 71–86 GHz W band (or E band waveguide) range.
February 22, 2023: Starlink Commercial Availability Begins in the Philippines
On February 22, 2023, commercial availability of Starlink services began in the Philippines.
February 27, 2023: Launch of first set of V2 mini satellites
On February 27, 2023, SpaceX launched the first set of 21 "v2 mini" Starlink satellites, a more compact version of the original V2 design, enabling Falcon 9 to transport them into orbit. SpaceX also committed to reducing debris by keeping the Starlink tension rods attached to the Falcon 9 second stage.
March 2023: Royal Caribbean to Offer Starlink on 50 Ships
By March 2023, Royal Caribbean Group planned to offer Starlink internet services on 50 ships under its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, following a contract secured in August 2022.
March 2023: Application to Add V-band Payload to Second Generation Satellites
In March 2023, SpaceX submitted an application to add V-band payload to the second generation satellites rather than fly phase 2 V-band satellites as originally planned and authorized. The request is subject to FCC approval.
March 2023: Satellite and User Terminal Manufacturing
In March 2023, the company reported manufacturing six Starlink "v2 mini" satellites per day as well as thousands of users terminals.
April 2023: Rogers and One NZ Partner with Starlink for Satellite-to-Phone Services
In April 2023, Rogers Communications in Canada and One NZ (formerly Vodafone New Zealand) signed agreements with SpaceX for using Starlink for satellite-to-phone services.
April 2023: Launch of Missile Tracking Satellites
The first batch of satellites to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles, developed by SpaceX under contract from the SDA, eventually launched in April 2023.
May 2023: Introduction of new form factors with direct-to-cellular capability
In May 2023, SpaceX introduced two more form factors with direct-to-cellular (DtC) capability.
June 2023: Observational study on brightness of Gen 2 Minis
According to an observational study published in June 2023, the Minis are fainter than Gen 1 spacecraft despite being four times as large, appearing 12 times brighter before reaching their target orbit.
June 2023: Starlink Granted License in Zambia
In June 2023, the Zambian Government granted Starlink a license to offer internet services in Zambia, through its Electronic Government Division – SMART Zambia, after completion of several trial projects.
July 2023: Optus Announces Partnership with Starlink for Mobile Network Coverage
In July 2023, Optus in Australia announced a similar partnership with SpaceX's Starlink to provide 100% mobile network coverage.
July 2023: Mongolia Issues Licenses to SpaceX
In July 2023, the Mongolian government issued two licenses to SpaceX, permitting the company to provide internet access in the country.
September 1, 2023: Starshield Receives First Contract from U.S. Space Force
On September 1, 2023, the Starshield program received its first contract from the U.S. Space Force to provide customized satellite communications for the military.
September 2023: Donations to Iranians to Circumvent Blackout
In September 2023, United Against Nuclear Iran, a US-based organization, started donating Starlink subscriptions and terminals to Iranians, to circumvent the country's internet blackout.
September 2023: Starlink Expected to Receive License in India
In September 2023, it was reported that Starlink was expected to imminently receive its license to operate in India, after meeting all regulatory requirements, pending spectrum allocation. SpaceX had previously sold 5000 Starlink preorders in India.
September 2023: SES Announces Satellite Internet Service Using Starlink
In September 2023, satellite operator SES announced a satellite internet service for cruise lines using both the Starlink satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and SES' own O3b mPOWER satellite constellation in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
September 2023: U.S. Space Force Awards Starshield Contract
In September 2023, the Starshield program received its first contract from the U.S. Space Force to provide customized satellite communications for the military under the Space Force's new "Proliferated Low Earth Orbit" program.
October 2023: Starlink Goes Live in Zambia
In October 2023, Starlink officially went live with its internet services in Zambia.
October 2023: Demands to Activate Starlink in Gaza
In October 2023, after the Gaza war started, users demanded Elon Musk activate Starlink in Gaza after Internet service in the region was lost. Musk agreed to provide connectivity for aid groups, pending approval from the government of Israel at the end of November.
October 2023: Research finds Starlink satellites "leaking radio signals"
In October 2023, research published in "Astronomy and Astrophysics Letters" reportedly found that Starlink satellites were "leaking radio signals," brighter than any natural source at the future Square Kilometer Array site, potentially detrimental to SKA science goals without mitigation.
November 2023: Starlink Receives Licenses to Operate in Fiji
In November 2023, Starlink received the licenses required to operate in Fiji.
December 2023: FCC Formally Denies SpaceX's Appeal
In December 2023, the FCC formally denied SpaceX's appeal since "Starlink had not shown that it was reasonably capable of fulfilling RDOF's requirements to deploy a network of the scope, scale, and size" required to win the subsidy.
2023: Small Profit Reported
A small profit being reported by Musk starting in 2023.
2023: Starlink Begins to Make a Profit
In 2023, Starlink began to generate a small profit after incurring net losses previously.
2023: Data Cap Introduced for Starlink Users
In 2023, Starlink introduced a monthly 1 TB data cap for all non-business users in order to improve service quality in densely populated areas, this cap was enforced starting in 2023.
2023: Use of Starlink by Criminal Groups in the Amazon
In 2023, The Associated Press reported that Brazilian organized criminal groups were making heavy use of Starlink in exploiting remote regions of the Amazon rainforest.
2023: Equivalent Cost in 2023
The $10 billion cost estimated in May 2018 is equivalent to $11,950,000,000 in 2023.
2023: Global Chip Shortage
The 2020-2023 global chip shortage delayed Starlink terminal production.
January 2, 2024: Launch of First Cell Phone Capable Satellites
On January 2, 2024, the first six cell phone capable Starlink satellites were launched.
January 8, 2024: Successful Text Messaging Test via Direct-to-Cell Capability
On January 8, 2024, SpaceX confirmed the successful testing of text messaging using the new Direct-to-Cell capability on T-Mobile's network.
February 2024: Virgin Voyages to Deploy SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink Service
In February 2024, SES announced that Virgin Voyages will be the first cruise line to deploy the SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink service.
April 2024: Starlink Awaits Final Government Approval in India
In April 2024, it was reported that Starlink had received "in-principle government approval" in India, awaiting final approval from the communications minister.
April 2024: Starlink to Begin Trial Service in Indonesia
In April 2024, it was reported that Starlink would begin trial service in Indonesia in May.
May 2024: Over 6,000 Starlink satellites launched into orbit
Between February 2018 and May 2024, SpaceX successfully launched over 6,000 Starlink satellites into orbit, including prototypes and satellites that later failed or were de-orbited before entering operational service.
May 2024: Revenue Expectations for 2024
In May 2024, SpaceX anticipated Starlink's revenue for the year would reach $6.6 billion. Later, by December, this prediction was revised upwards to $7.7 billion.
May 2024: Starlink Pre-Orders in Sri Lanka
In May 2024, Starlink service became available for pre-order in Sri Lanka, pending regulatory approval.
May 2024: Starlink Launches in Fiji
In May 2024, Starlink service was officially launched in Fiji.
June 2024: Announcement of Starlink Mini
In June 2024, the portable user terminal "Starlink Mini" was announced as imminently available, supporting 100 Mbit/s download speeds and fitting in a backpack. Initial rollout was in Latin America at a $200 price point.
July 2024: Starlink tests with Romanian Ministry of Defense and ANCOM
In July 2024, SpaceX began conducting tests on Starlink in cooperation with the Romanian Ministry of National Defense and National Authority for Communications Administration and Regulation (ANCOM) to potentially increase the speed and coverage of Starlink without affecting geostationary satellites.
August 2024: Starlink Receives Licenses to Operate in Yemen
In August 2024, Starlink received the licenses to operate in Yemen, with services to be implemented via distributed sales points providing device sales, activation, subscription fee payments, and technical support.
September 2024: Reached 4 Million Subscribers
In September 2024, SpaceX announced that Starlink had reached 4 million subscribers.
September 2024: United Airlines to Install Starlink Services
In September 2024, United Airlines announced it would install Starlink services on its entire fleet, offering free high-speed Wi-Fi to all passengers.
October 2024: Musk's Contact with Russian Government Officials
The Wall Street Journal reported in October 2024 that Musk had been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high ranking Russian government officials since late 2022, discussing personal topics, business and geopolitical matters.
November 2024: Morocco Set to Approve Starlink by 2025
As of November 2024, Morocco is set to give regulatory approval to Starlink by 2025.
November 2024: Musk to Continue Supporting Ukraine
In a November 2024 call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Musk said he will continue supporting Ukraine through Starlink.
2024: SMS Text Service Expected to Begin in New Zealand
In 2024, SMS text service is expected to begin in New Zealand as part of the partnership between One NZ and SpaceX's Starlink.
2024: T-Mobile US and SpaceX Partner for Satellite Cellular Service
In 2024, T-Mobile US and SpaceX are partnering to add satellite cellular service capability to Starlink satellites to provide dead-zone cell phone coverage across the US using T-Mobile's midband PCS spectrum, with testing beginning in 2024.
2024: Tensions Escalate Between Brazil and Starlink
In 2024, tensions between Brazil and Elon Musk's business ventures escalated as Brazil's telecom regulator Anatel threatened to sanction Starlink after Brazil's top court upheld a ban on X. Starlink refused to comply with an order to block domestic access to X until the freeze was lifted, risking its license to operate.
January 2025: Planned test of Starlink satellite deployment system with S33
In January 2025, SpaceX planned to test a new Starlink satellite deployment system using S33, which was also expected to deploy ten Starlink "simulators" over the Indian Ocean. However, contact with S33 was lost shortly before engine shutdown.
February 2025: Starlink Customer Base Exceeds 5 Million
As of February 2025, Starlink reported that it had reached a customer base of more than 5 million users worldwide.
February 2025: Pressure on Ukraine Regarding Mineral Rights
In February 2025, U.S. negotiators pressured Ukraine to grant access to its critical minerals by warning of a potential Starlink shutdown, as per three sources familiar with the matter, after Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a U.S. proposal for mineral rights in exchange for wartime aid.
February 28, 2025: Meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy
Three days after the February 28, 2025, meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy in the White House the U.S. suspended all military aid and a day later also intelligence to Ukraine.
March 2025: Musk Claims Licensing Issues in South Africa
Earlier in March 2025, Elon Musk claimed that Starlink couldn't get a license to operate in South Africa due to racial reasons, a claim disputed by South African government officials.
March 2025: Criticism and political involvement in Starlink
In March 2025, Starlink faced criticism over undue emphasis from the Trump administration, leading to the resignation of the director of the United States Department of Commerce's rural broadband program. Musk's political involvement sparked protests from Starlink customers in the U.K. and the White House installed a Starlink user terminal, donated by Starlink, which raised conflict of interest concerns.
March 2025: FAA Approves United's Starlink Installation
In March 2025, the FAA issued final approval for United Airlines to begin equipping its aircraft with Starlink antennas.
March 2025: Indian Telecoms Partner with Starlink
On 11 and 12 March 2025, Indian telecom companies Airtel and Jio partnered with Starlink to bring satellite internet to India, aiming to improve connectivity in remote areas, pending government approvals.
April 2025: Houthi Rebels Demand Surrender of Starlink Devices
In April 2025, Houthi rebels in Yemen demanded that residents surrender their Starlink devices.
April 2025: Starlink Licensed in Somalia and Lesotho
In April 2025, Starlink was granted a license to operate in both Somalia and Lesotho.
May 2025: Starlink Constellation Size
As of May 2025, the Starlink constellation consists of over 7,600 mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), comprising 65% of all active satellites.
June 2025: Starlink Operating Unlawfully in South Africa
It was discovered in June 2025 that Starlink has been operating unlawfully in South Africa since 2022. Starlink also began suspending Roam Unlimited and Global Roaming plans for users in South Africa.
2025: Morocco Set to Approve Starlink
By 2025, Morocco is set to give regulatory approval to Starlink, according to reports from November 2024.
2025: Revenue Expectations for 2025
In 2025, SpaceX anticipated revenue to reach $11.8 billion.
2025: Voice and Data Functionality Expected in New Zealand
In 2025, voice and data functionality is expected to be available in New Zealand through the partnership between One NZ and SpaceX's Starlink.
2025: Projected Annual Revenue
In January 2017, SpaceX expected annual revenue from Starlink to reach $12 billion by 2022 and exceed $30 billion by 2025.
Mentioned in this timeline
Elon Musk is a prominent businessman renowned for leading Tesla...
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician who has dominated...
Ukraine is a large country in Eastern Europe second only...
SpaceX founded in is a leading American space technology company...
Nigeria is a West African country officially known as the...
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