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 the goal of offering global mobile broadband. Starlink is a key component of SpaceX's overall growth strategy.
2004: SpaceX opens Washington DC office and acquires stake in SSTL
In 2004, Larry Williams opened the SpaceX Washington DC office. That June, SpaceX acquired a stake in Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) as part of a "shared strategic vision". SSTL was at that time working to extend the Internet into space.
2012: Inspiration for Starlink Name
In 2012, the novel 'The Fault in Our Stars' inspired the name for SpaceX's satellite broadband network, Starlink.
January 2015: Starlink Publicly Announced
In January 2015, Starlink was publicly announced with the opening of the SpaceX satellite development facility in Redmond, Washington. Musk stated that Starlink would target bandwidth to carry a significant portion of backhaul communications and local Internet traffic in high-density cities, and that cash flow from satellite internet would fund Mars plans.
January 2015: Initial plans for Starlink constellation
In January 2015, initial plans for the Starlink constellation were forecasted, envisioning approximately 4,000 cross-linked satellites, more than twice the number of operational satellites in orbit at that time. These smallsats were expected to be in low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 1,100 km.
February 2015: SpaceX requests FCC to consider future innovative uses of Ka-band spectrum
In February 2015, SpaceX requested the FCC to consider future innovative uses of the Ka-band spectrum before committing to 5G communications regulations, arguing that such regulations could create barriers to entry for new satellite communications market entrants like SpaceX.
June 2015: SpaceX announces plans to launch demonstration satellites
In June 2015, SpaceX announced plans to launch the first two demonstration satellites in 2016.
2015: Telesat Announces Smaller Satellite Constellation
In 2015, Telesat announced a smaller 117 satellite constellation with plans to deliver initial service in 2021.
July 2016: SpaceX Acquires Space in Irvine, California
In July 2016, SpaceX acquired an additional 740 m² creative space in Irvine, California (Orange County), to focus on signal processing, RFIC, and ASIC development for the satellite program.
October 2016: Focus on User Equipment Cost
In October 2016, the Starlink satellite division focused on achieving a sufficiently low-cost design for the user equipment, with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell stating that the project remained in the "design phase" 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: SpaceX confirms connection and trademarks Starlink
In 2016, SpaceX confirmed the connection in the application to license Starlink with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). SpaceX trademarked the name Starlink in the United States for their satellite broadband network; the name was inspired by the 2012 novel The Fault in Our Stars.
January 2017: SpaceX Projects Annual Revenue
In January 2017, SpaceX expected annual revenue from Starlink to reach $12 billion by 2022 and exceed $30 billion by 2025.
January 2017: SpaceX takes on a second facility in Redmond
In January 2017, SpaceX took on a second 2,800 m² (30,000 sq ft) facility in Redmond, Washington, adding to the existing leased space.
March 2017: SpaceX files plans for a second orbital shell
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" in an electromagnetic spectrum that has not previously been heavily employed for commercial communications services.
September 2017: FCC Grants License to SpaceX
In September 2017, the FCC granted SpaceX a license, requiring half of the constellation to be in orbit within six years and the full system operational within nine years from the date of the license.
2017: SpaceX files space debris mitigation plan
In late 2017, SpaceX filed documents with the FCC to clarify their space debris mitigation plan.
February 2018: Launch of 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 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, initially called MicroSat-2a and MicroSat-2b, but renamed Tintin A and Tintin B upon orbital deployment. The satellites were launched by a Falcon 9 rocket, piggybacking with the Paz satellite.
March 2018: FCC Approves Initial Satellites with Conditions
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 a high level of de-orbiting reliability.
May 2018: SpaceX Estimates Starlink Constellation Cost
In May 2018, SpaceX estimated the cost of designing, building, and deploying the Starlink constellation would be at least US$10 billion.
August 2018: SpaceX consolidates operations to Redmond Ridge Corporate Center
In August 2018, SpaceX consolidated all of its Seattle-area operations by moving to a larger three-building facility at Redmond Ridge Corporate Center to support satellite manufacturing and R&D.
November 2018: Amazon Announces AWS ground station unit
In November 2018, Amazon announced a large network of twelve satellite ground station facilities (the "AWS ground station unit")
November 2018: SpaceX announces desire to operate initial shell of satellites at 550 km altitude
In November 2018, SpaceX announced its intention to operate an initial shell of about 1600 satellites in the Starlink constellation at an orbital altitude of approximately 550 km. This altitude is similar to the orbits of the test satellites Tintin A and B.
November 2018: SpaceX receives 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.
February 2019: SpaceX Services Incorporated requests license for satellite Earth stations
In February 2019, SpaceX Services Incorporated, a sister company of SpaceX, filed a request with the FCC to receive a license for the operation of up to a million fixed satellite Earth stations to communicate with the Starlink system.
April 2019: Amazon Announces Project Kuiper
In April 2019, Amazon announced a large broadband internet satellite constellation, planning to launch 3,236 satellites in the next decade in what the company calls "Project Kuiper", a satellite constellation that will work in concert with Amazon's previously announced large network of twelve satellite ground station facilities (the "AWS ground station unit") announced in November 2018.
April 2019: FCC approves placement of satellites in three orbital shells
In April 2019, the FCC approved SpaceX's request, authorizing the placement of nearly 12,000 satellites in three orbital shells. The initial shell would have approximately 1,600 satellites at 550 km altitude, followed by approximately 2,800 Ku- and Ka-band satellites at 1,150 km and approximately 7,500 V-band satellites at 340 km.
May 2019: Launch of 60 Starlink v0.9 satellites
In May 2019, 60 Starlink v0.9 satellites were launched.
May 2019: First significant deployment of 60 satellites
In May 2019, SpaceX deployed the first significant batch of 60 Starlink satellites, each weighing 227 kg, into a relatively low orbit of 550 km. This lower altitude was chosen due to concerns about space debris and to reduce the number of satellites needed.
May 2019: First 60 satellites launched into 550 km orbit
In May 2019, SpaceX launched the first 60 Starlink satellites into a 550 km orbit.
May 2019: First Batch of Operational Satellites Launched
In May 2019, the first batch of 60 operational Starlink satellites were launched.
June 2019: SpaceX applies for license to test ground terminals and airborne antenna operation
In June 2019, SpaceX applied to the FCC for a license to test up to 270 Starlink ground terminals across the United States, aircraft-borne antenna operation, and ground-to-ground test locations.
October 15, 2019: FCC Filings for Additional Starlink Satellites
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 to supplement the 12,000 Starlink satellites already approved by the FCC.
November 2019: Initial launch of Starlink v1.0 satellites
In November 2019, the Starlink v1.0 satellites were initially launched, introducing additional characteristics to the constellation.
November 20, 2019: Signal Loss Recorded by Cerro Tololo Observatory
On November 20, 2019, the four-meter (13') Blanco telescope of the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) recorded strong signal loss and the appearance of 19 white lines on a DECam shot. This image noise was correlated to the transit of a Starlink satellite train, launched a week earlier.
2019: Transition to Manufacturing and Planned Launch Rate
By late 2019, SpaceX was transitioning their satellite efforts from research and development to manufacturing, with the planned first launch of a large group of satellites to orbit, and the clear need to achieve an average launch rate of "44 high-performance, low-cost spacecraft built and launched every month for the next 60 months" to get the 2,200 satellites launched to support their FCC spectrum allocation license assignment.
2019: Starlink Satellite Launches Begin
In 2019, SpaceX began launching Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO).
2019: Data Link Test with AFRL
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.
2019: Bus design variations since initial deployment
Since the first Starlink units were deployed in space in 2019, the bus design for Starlink satellites has varied considerably.
March 2020: SpaceX reports producing six satellites per day
In March 2020, SpaceX reported producing six Starlink satellites per day, indicating a rapid production rate.
April 2020: SpaceX Modifies Starlink Network Architecture
In April 2020, SpaceX 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 than the FCC previously authorized. The first phase will still include 1,440 satellites in the first shell orbiting at 550 km in planes inclined 53.0°, with no change to the first shell of the constellation launched largely in 2020. SpaceX also applied in the United States for use of the E-band in their constellation
April 17, 2020: SpaceX to Test Methods of Mitigating Light Pollution
On April 17, 2020, SpaceX wrote in an FCC filing that it would test new methods of mitigating light pollution, and also provide access to satellite tracking data for astronomers.
April 27, 2020: Musk Announces New Sunshade Design
On April 27, 2020, Musk announced that the company would introduce a new sunshade designed to reduce the brightness of Starlink satellites.
June 2020: Customer antennas seen on the internet
In June 2020, photographs of the Starlink customer antennas, resembling a "UFO on a stick", were first seen on the internet. These flat user terminals, the size of a pizza box, feature phased array antennas and can be mounted anywhere with a view of the sky, including on fast-moving objects.
July 2020: Approvals for five ground stations in the United States
As of July 2020, SpaceX had approvals for five Starlink ground stations in the United States, out of at least 32 applications filed with the FCC.
July 2020: Starlink Limited Beta Service Opens
In July 2020, Starlink's limited beta internet service was opened to invited members of the public, who were required to sign non-disclosure agreements and were charged $2 per month to test billing services.
September 2020: SpaceX applies for permission to put terminals on ships
In September 2020, SpaceX applied for permission to put Starlink terminals on 10 of its ships, signaling their intention to enter the maritime market in the future.
October 2020: SDA Awards Dual-Use Contract to SpaceX
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: Launch of "Better Than Nothing Beta" service in the U.S.
In October 2020, SpaceX launched a paid-for beta service in the U.S. called "Better Than Nothing Beta". It charged $499 for a user terminal, and promised speeds of 50 to 150 Mbit/s and latency from 20 to 40 ms.
October 2020: Starlink Public Beta Launched
In October 2020, Starlink launched a wider public beta, where beta testers were charged the full monthly cost and could speak freely about their experience. Beta testers reported speeds over 150 Mbit/s.
2020: Continuous coverage expected
In 2020, SpaceX expected to achieve continuous coverage with 720 satellites (12 launches of 60 satellites each).
2020: Hiring of 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: Starlink Used in Air Force 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: Startlink Production Delayed
In 2020, the Starlink terminal production was delayed by the global chip shortage.
2020: Successful Testing of Inter-Satellite Laser Links
In late 2020, Starlink successfully tested the inter-satellite laser links. Early Starlink satellites were launched without these laser links.
January 2021: Expansion of paid-for beta service to the United Kingdom
From January 2021, the paid-for "Better Than Nothing Beta" service was extended to other continents, starting with the United Kingdom.
January 24, 2021: Initial launch of Starlink v1.5 satellites
On January 24, 2021, the Starlink v1.5 satellites were initially launched, bringing additional features and capabilities to the network.
February 2021: NRECA Challenges Starlink 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 due to concerns about technologies that had not yet been proven to meet the high speeds required for the award category and for being still in beta testing and for unproven technology.
March 2021: FCC Application for Mobile Terminals
In March 2021, SpaceX submitted an application to the FCC for mobile variations of their terminal designed for vehicles, vessels and aircraft.
April 2021: FCC Approves SpaceX Application
In April 2021, the FCC approved SpaceX's application to use the E-band in their Starlink constellation.
May 2021: Study on Interference from Fast-Moving Satellites
According to a May 2021 study, a large number of fast-moving transmitting stations (i.e. satellites) will cause further interference. New analysis methods could mitigate some of these effects, but data loss is inevitable, increasing the time needed for each study and limiting the overall amount of science done.
May 2021: Mobile Starlink Tests on Rocket Prototype
In May 2021, SpaceX tested high-altitude low-velocity mobile use of Starlink on a rocket prototype, after which the company applied to the FCC to use mobile Starlink transceivers on launch vehicles flying to Earth orbit in June.
November 2021: Destruction of Kosmos 1408 Impacts Starlink Operations
The destruction of the Russian satellite Kosmos 1408 in November 2021 by an anti-satellite weapon test impacted Starlink operations. According to SpaceX reports, over 1,700 out of 6,873 collision avoidance maneuvers performed by Starlink satellites between December 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022, were to avoid Kosmos 1408 debris.
December 1, 2021: Starlink Collision Avoidance Maneuvers Due to Kosmos 1408 Debris
According to SpaceX reports, over 1,700 out of 6,873 collision avoidance maneuvers performed by Starlink satellites between December 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022, were to avoid Kosmos 1408 debris, which was caused by the destruction of Kosmos 1408 by an anti-satellite weapon test.
2021: Telesat Plans to Deliver Initial Service
In 2015, Telesat announced a smaller 117 satellite constellation with plans to deliver initial service in 2021.
2021: Subscribers for Starlink service
In 2021, Starlink terminal production was delayed by the 2020-2023 global chip shortage which led to only 5,000 subscribers for the last two months of the year.
2021: SpaceX prepares for Starlink v2 satellite production
In early 2021, SpaceX was preparing for the production of Starlink v2 satellites. According to Musk, these satellites were expected to be an order of magnitude better than Starlink 1 in terms of communications bandwidth.
2021: Pre-orders Opened to the Public
In early 2021, pre-orders for Starlink service were first opened to the public in the United States and Canada.
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.
February 8, 2022: NTIA Letter Warning About Potential Impact of Starlink
On February 8, 2022, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on behalf of NASA and the NSF, submitted a formal letter to the FCC warning about the potential impact on low Earth orbit, increased collision risk, impact on science missions, rocket launches, International Space Station and radio frequencies due to these issues, plus current plans for the extension of the constellation.
February 2022: IAU Establishes Center to Address Satellite Constellation Effects
In February 2022, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) established a center to help astronomers deal with the adverse effects of satellite constellations such as Starlink. Work will include the development of software tools for astronomers, advancement of national and international policies, community outreach and work with industry on relevant technologies.
May 2022: Increased Frequency of Starlink Collision-Avoidance Maneuvers
As of May 2022, the average Starlink satellite had conducted fewer than three collision-avoidance maneuvers over the 6 preceding months. However, the frequency has increased substantially, with over 1,700 out of 6,873 maneuvers being performed to avoid Kosmos 1408 debris alone.
May 2022: Concerns over Starlink's Military Capabilities
In May 2022, Chinese military researchers published an article describing a strategy for destroying the Starlink constellation if they threaten national security, specifically highlighting concerns with reported Starlink military capabilities. Russian officials also warned Starlink could become a legitimate military target in the future.
May 31, 2022: Starlink Collision Avoidance Maneuvers Due to Kosmos 1408 Debris
According to SpaceX reports, over 1,700 out of 6,873 collision avoidance maneuvers performed by Starlink satellites between December 1, 2021, and May 31, 2022, were to avoid Kosmos 1408 debris, which was caused by the destruction of Kosmos 1408 by an anti-satellite weapon test.
June 2022: IAU Releases Satellite Tracking Website
In June 2022, the IAU released a website for astronomers to track satellites to be able to avoid and time them for minimal impact on current work.
July 2022: Starlink Maritime Service Launch
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. In the United States, Starlink charged a hardware fee of $599 for a user terminal and $120 per month for internet service at a fixed service address.
August 2022: SpaceX files to build two form factors of Gen2 satellites
In August 2022, SpaceX filed with the FCC indicating they would build two form factors of the second-generation (Gen2) constellation satellites: one for Falcon 9 and one for Starship launches. These satellites were designed to be technically identical.
August 2022: Service Cost Reduction in Select Countries
In August 2022, SpaceX lowered monthly service costs for Starlink users in select countries. For example, users in Brazil and Chile saw monthly fee decreases of about 50%.
August 2022: Security specialist presents technical architecture details about Starlink terminals
In August 2022, security specialist Lennert Wouters, responding to an open invitation from SpaceX, revealed technical architecture details of current Starlink terminals. The main control unit is a STMicroelectronics custom chip called Catson, a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53-based processor running Linux, with custom chips like Shiraz and Pulsarad. The terminal also includes a GPS receiver and motor controllers.
August 2022: FCC Revokes Federal Subsidies
In August 2022, the FCC revoked the $885.5 million aid package previously awarded to SpaceX to support rural broadband customers in 35 U.S. states through Starlink, stating that Starlink "failed to demonstrate" its ability to deliver the promised service.
September 2022: Original Launch Schedule for Missile Tracking Satellites
The first batch of satellites was originally scheduled to launch September 2022 to form part of the Tracking Layer Tranche 0 of the U.S. Space Force's National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA), a network of satellites performing various roles including missile tracking, but the launch was delayed.
December 1, 2022: FCC Approves Launch of Initial Gen2 Satellites
On December 1, 2022, the FCC issued an approval for SpaceX to launch the initial 7500 satellites for its second-generation (Gen2) constellation, in three low-Earth-orbit orbital shells, at 525, 530, and 535 km (326, 329 and 332 miles) altitude.
December 2022: Starshield Announcement
In December 2022, SpaceX announced Starshield, a separate Starlink service designed for government entities and military agencies. Starshield enables the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to own or lease Starshield satellites for partners and allies. Starlink will be a civilian network, not a participant to combat, whereas Starshield will be owned by the US government and controlled by DoD Space Force.
December 2022: Starlink reaches 1 million subscribers
In December 2022, SpaceX announced that Starlink had reached over 1 million subscribers.
2022: Starlink Speed Degradation
According to Ookla, Starlink speeds degraded during 2022 as more customers signed up for the service. SpaceX stated that speeds would improve with more satellite deployments.
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: Withdrawal of V-band plans
By 2022, SpaceX had withdrawn the V-band plans that were approved in November 2018.
2022: Musk Donates Starlink terminals to Ukraine
In 2022, Musk initially voiced support for Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion by donating Starlink terminals, but later made decisions to limit Ukrainian access to Starlink, which coincided with Russian pressure in public and in private.
2022: Starlink Business Service Announced
In 2022, SpaceX announced the Starlink Business service tier, a higher-performance version of the service providing larger antenna and speeds between 150 and 500 Mbit/s for $2500 for the antenna and a $500 monthly service fee. The service includes 24/7, prioritized support. The FCC also approved the licensing of Starlink services to boats, aircraft, and moving vehicles.
2022: Starlink Revenue Reaches $1.4 Billion
In 2022, Starlink's revenues were reported to be $1.4 billion, although the service still incurred a net loss for the year.
2022: Starlink Revenue and Net Loss
In 2022, Starlink's revenues were reportedly $1.4 billion accompanied by a net loss.
2022: Starlink Business Unit reports Cash-Flow Positive Quarter
In 2022, the Starlink business unit had a single cash-flow-positive quarter.
2022: Starlink second-generation satellites characteristics planned
In 2022, the Starlink second-generation satellites planned for launch on Starship had characteristics planned.
February 2023: Launch of First Batch of Generation 2 Spacecraft
In February 2023, the first batch of Generation 2 spacecraft was launched. These satellites are referred to as "Mini" because they are smaller than the full-sized Gen 2 spacecraft that will come later. SpaceX uses brightness mitigation for Gen 2 that includes a mirror-like surface which reflects sunlight back into space and they orient the solar panels so that observers on the ground only see the dark sides.
March 2023: SpaceX Application to Add V-band Payload
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: Starlink v2 Mini Production
In March 2023, the company reported that they were manufacturing six Starlink "v2 mini" satellites per day as well as thousands of user terminals. These satellites have Gen2 features in a smaller form factor.
April 2023: Partnerships for Satellite-to-Phone Services
In April 2023, Rogers Communications signed an agreement with SpaceX for using Starlink for satellite-to-phone services in Canada. Also in April 2023, One NZ (formerly Vodafone New Zealand) announced they would partner with SpaceX's Starlink to provide 100% mobile network coverage over New Zealand.
April 2023: Launch of Missile Tracking Satellites
The launch schedule for the satellites to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles slipped multiple times but eventually launched in April 2023.
May 2023: Introduction of form factors with direct-to-cellular capability
In May 2023, SpaceX introduced two more Starlink form factors with direct-to-cellular (DtC) capability.
June 2023: Observational Study on 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. They are 44% as bright as VisorSats, 24% compared to V1.5 and 19% compared to the original design which had no brightness mitigation. Minis appear 12 times brighter before they reach the target orbit.
July 2023: Optus Partnership for Satellite-to-Phone Services
In July 2023, Optus in Australia announced a partnership with SpaceX's Starlink for satellite-to-phone services.
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. This one-year contract is expected to support 54 mission partners across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
September 2023: SES Announces Cruise Line Internet Service with Starlink
In September 2023, satellite operator SES announced a satellite internet service for cruise lines using both Starlink satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and SES's own O3b mPOWER satellite constellation in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). Integrated, sold and delivered by SES, the SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink service claims to combine the best features of LEO and MEO orbits to provide high-speed, secure connectivity at up to 3 Gbit/s per ship, to cruise ships anywhere in the world.
September 2023: Starshield Contract for Military Satellite Communications
In September 2023, the Starshield program received its first contract from the U.S. Space Force, part of the Space Force's "Proliferated Low Earth Orbit" program allocating up to $900 million over 10 years. The SpaceX contract is the only one issued to date, supporting 54 mission partners across multiple branches of the U.S. military.
October 2023: Starlink Activation Demands in Gaza
In October 2023 after the Gaza war started, users shared the hashtag #starlinkforgaza, demanding Elon Musk activate Starlink in Gaza. Musk responded that Starlink connectivity would be provided for aid groups with approval of the government of Israel.
October 2023: Research Finds Starlink Satellites Leaking Radio Signals
In October 2023, research published in "Astronomy and Astrophysics Letters" had reportedly found that Starlink satellites were "leaking radio signals" finding that at the site of the future Square Kilometer Array, radio emissions from Starlink satellites were brighter than any natural source in the sky. The paper concluded that these emissions will be detrimental to key SKA science goals without future mitigation.
December 1, 2023: Starlink Collision-Avoidance Maneuvers Reported
According to SpaceX's semiannual reports filed with the Federal Communications Commission, Starlink satellites performed approximately 50,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers between December 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, about double the number from the previous six-month period.
December 2023: FCC Denies SpaceX's Appeal for Subsidies
In December 2023, the FCC formally denied SpaceX's appeal for the $885.5 million federal subsidies, stating that "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: Cost of Starlink Constellation Development
By 2023, the initial cost estimate of $10 billion for the Starlink constellation in May 2018 was equivalent to approximately $11.95 billion.
2023: Data Cap Implementation
In 2023, Starlink introduced a monthly 1 TB data cap for all non-business users to improve service quality in densely populated areas.
2023: Starlink at Annual Loss
In 2023, Starlink posted a $30.7 million loss.
2023: Global Chip Shortage Resolved
In 2023, the global chip shortage was resolved which had previously delayed the production of Starlink terminals.
January 2, 2024: Launch of Cell Phone Capable Satellites
On January 2, 2024, the first six cell phone capable satellites were launched by SpaceX.
January 8, 2024: Successful Text Messaging Test with Direct-to-Cell
On January 8, 2024, SpaceX confirmed they had successfully tested text messaging using the new Direct-to-Cell capability on T-Mobile's network.
February 2024: Virgin Voyages to Deploy SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink
In February 2024, SES announced that Virgin Voyages will be the first cruise line to deploy the SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink service, combining SES's O3b mPOWER satellites and Starlink satellites.
May 2024: Launch of 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.
May 2024: Projected Starlink Revenue for 2024
In May 2024, Starlink's revenue was expected to reach $6.6 billion. This prediction was later raised to $7.7 billion by December.
May 31, 2024: Starlink Collision-Avoidance Maneuvers Reported
According to SpaceX's semiannual reports filed with the Federal Communications Commission, Starlink satellites performed approximately 50,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers between December 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, about double the number from the previous six-month period. This represented an average of 14 maneuvers per satellite during the six-month period.
June 2024: Announcement of "Starlink Mini"
In June 2024, the "Starlink Mini", a portable user terminal, was announced to be imminently available, supporting 100 Mbit/s download speeds and fitting in a backpack. Initial rollout was in Latin America for $200.
July 2024: Starlink Tests with Romania
In July 2024, SpaceX began conducting tests on Starlink in cooperation with the Romanian Ministry of National Defense and ANCOM to demonstrate that the Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limit can be safely increased, improving Starlink's speed and coverage without affecting geostationary satellites. The test results are intended to influence the International Telecommunication Union's rules regarding non-geostationary satellites.
September 2024: Starlink reaches 4 million subscribers
In September 2024, SpaceX announced that Starlink had reached 4 million subscribers.
October 2024: Musk in contact with Putin
In October 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported 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. Putin had asked Musk to avoid activating his Starlink satellite system over Taiwan, to appease Chinese Communist Party general secretary Xi Jinping.
November 2024: Musk to continue supporting Ukraine through Starlink
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 2024, SMS text service is expected to begin for satellite-to-phone services in Canada, New Zealand and Australia utilizing Starlink.
2024: Starlink posts first profitable year
In 2024, Starlink would be the first year of profitability as it posted a $30.7 million loss in 2023.
2024: Tensions Emerge 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 (formerly Twitter).
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, a service crucial to its military operations. The issue surfaced after Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a U.S. proposal for mineral rights in exchange for wartime aid.
February 28, 2025: Meeting Between Trump and Zelenskyy, Followed by Aid Suspension
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: Controversies and Political Involvement
In March 2025, the director of the United States Department of Commerce's rural broadband program resigned, criticizing undue emphasis on Starlink from the Trump administration. Protests against Musk's political involvement by Starlink customers in the U.K. also occurred. Additionally, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) installed a Starlink user terminal at the White House complex, raising conflict of interest concerns. Approvals from countries like India were influenced by hopes of avoiding tariffs by supporting a Musk-owned company.
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), making up 65% of all active satellites.
June 2025: Starlink Customer Growth
As of June 2025, Starlink reported having more than 6 million customers worldwide.
August 12, 2025: Kyivstar Conducts Direct-to-Cell Test in Eastern Europe
On August 12, 2025, Ukrainian cell operator Kyivstar conducted Eastern Europe's first test of the Direct-to-Cell service. The CEO and digital transformation minister of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, exchanged messages with regular smartphones, with commercial start of this service planned for 2025.
August 2025: Starlink tests a mini laser
In August 2025, Starlink tested a “mini laser” to allow connectivity for third party satellites and space stations with the Starlink constellation.
September 2025: Starlink Deployment System Tests on Starship
As of September 2025, SpaceX has conducted multiple tests of the Starlink deployment system on Starship. On Flight 10, there was a successful test, with 8 Starlink simulators deployed.
2025: Projected Starlink Revenue for 2025
In 2025, Starlink's revenue was initially expected to reach $11.8 billion.
2025: Voice and Data Functionality Expected
In 2025, voice and data functionality is expected to be added to satellite-to-phone services in Canada, New Zealand and Australia utilizing Starlink.
2025: Public Availability of SMS Texting via Starlink
In July 2025, SMS texting via Starlink became publicly available in the U.S. and New Zealand to T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon customers. The service is powered by Starlink's Direct to Cell satellites, partnering with T-Mobile US to add satellite cellular service capability. Coverage began with text messaging and will expand to include voice and limited data services later, using existing 4G LTE mobile devices.
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