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 and aims to offer global mobile broadband. It has been crucial to SpaceX's growth.
2 days ago : Starlink Launches Internet Services in Israel, Faces Regional Availability Issues.
Starlink has officially launched its internet services in Israel, offering various products and pricing. However, availability is limited, as Starlink is currently unavailable for residents in Judea and Samaria. The launch marks Starlink's entry into the Israeli market.
2012: Name Inspired by Novel
In 2012, the name Starlink was inspired by the novel "The Fault in Our Stars".
January 2015: Public Announcement and Facility Opening
In January 2015, Starlink was publicly announced with the opening of the SpaceX satellite development facility in Redmond, Washington, with Musk stating that Starlink would target bandwidth to carry up to 50% of all backhaul communications traffic, and up to 10% of local Internet traffic, in high-density cities and would be necessary to fund their Mars plans.
February 2015: SpaceX Asks FCC to Consider 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 regulations that might create barriers to entry for new satellite communication market entrants like SpaceX.
February 2015: Financial Analysts Question Geosynchronous Operators
In February 2015, financial analysts questioned established geosynchronous orbit communications satellite fleet operators about their response to the competitive threat of SpaceX and OneWeb LEO communication satellites.
October 2015: SpaceX on Business Case for Satellite Network
In October 2015, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell indicated that the business case for the long-term rollout of an operational satellite network was still in an early phase.
2015: Samsung's Satellite Constellation Proposal
In 2015, Samsung proposed a 4,600-satellite constellation orbiting at 1,400 km with a zettabyte per month capacity worldwide.
July 2016: Acquired Additional Space
In July 2016, SpaceX acquired an additional creative space in Irvine, California for signal processing, RFIC, and ASIC development for the satellite program.
October 2016: Focusing on Low-Cost Design
By October 2016, the satellite division was focusing on achieving a sufficiently low-cost design for the user equipment.
November 2016: Applied for FCC License
In November 2016, SpaceX applied to the FCC for a license to operate a non-geostationary orbit satellite system using Ku- and Ka- frequency bands.
2016: Confirmed Connection and Applied to License
In 2016, SpaceX confirmed the connection to the ITU application in the application to license Starlink with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
January 2017: Expected 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: Took on a Second Facility
In January 2017, the company had taken on a second facility in Redmond, Washington.
March 2017: SpaceX Files Plans for Second Orbital Shell of V-band Satellites
In March 2017, SpaceX filed plans with the FCC for a second orbital shell of more than 7,500 "V-band satellites in non-geosynchronous orbits to provide communications services" at a very-low Earth orbit (VLEO) of 340 km altitude.
September 2017: FCC Granted License
In September 2017, the FCC granted a license that required half of the constellation to be in orbit within six years and the full system operating within nine years from the date of the license.
October 2017: Cancellation of Geosynchronous Orbit Broadband 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: Filed Documents with FCC
In late 2017, SpaceX filed documents with the FCC to clarify their space debris mitigation plan.
February 2018: Launched Test Satellites
In February 2018, SpaceX launched two test satellites.
February 22, 2018: Launch of Tintin A and Tintin B Test Satellites
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, renamed Tintin A and Tintin B upon orbital deployment. The satellites launched on a Falcon 9 rocket with the Paz satellite.
March 2018: FCC Approval for Satellites
In March 2018, the FCC granted SpaceX approval for the initial 4,425 satellites, with some conditions, including achieving a higher level of de-orbiting reliability.
May 2018: Estimated Constellation Cost
In May 2018, SpaceX estimated the cost of designing, building, and deploying the Starlink constellation would be at least US$10 billion.
May 2018: Estimated Total Cost and Reorganization
In May 2018, SpaceX expected the total cost of development and buildout of the Starlink constellation to approach $10 billion, and also reorganized the satellite development division in Redmond, terminating senior management.
August 2018: Consolidated 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.
November 2018: Amazon Announces AWS Ground Station Unit
In November 2018, Amazon announced its network of satellite ground station facilities called the "AWS ground station unit".
November 2018: SpaceX Announces Intention to Operate Initial Shell of Satellites at Lower Altitude
In November 2018, SpaceX announced plans to operate an initial shell of approximately 1600 satellites in the constellation at around 550 km orbital altitude, similar to the orbits that the Tintin A and B satellites remained in.
November 2018: SpaceX Receives 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 4,425 already approved.
February 2019: SpaceX Services Requests License for Fixed Satellite Earth Stations
In February 2019, SpaceX Services Incorporated, a sister company of SpaceX, filed a request with the FCC for a license to operate 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 named "Project Kuiper", planning to launch 3,236 satellites in the next decade, to work with Amazon's network of satellite ground station facilities.
April 2019: FCC Approves Request to Place Nearly 12,000 Satellites in Three Orbital Shells
In April 2019, the FCC approved SpaceX's request to place nearly 12,000 satellites in three orbital shells, including 1,600 in a 550 km altitude shell and others at 1,150 km and 340 km.
May 2019: Launch of 60 Starlink v0.9 Satellites
In May 2019, SpaceX launched 60 Starlink v0.9 satellites, marking a significant milestone in the development of the constellation.
May 2019: Launch of First 60 Satellites of Constellation
In May 2019, SpaceX launched the first 60 Starlink satellites into a 550 km orbit, with plans for up to six launches in 2019 and 720 satellites for continuous coverage in 2020.
May 2019: Launched First Batch of Satellites
In May 2019, the first batch of 60 operational Starlink satellites were launched.
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 employee homes and aircraft-borne antenna operation.
October 15, 2019: SpaceX Files for Additional Starlink Satellites and Musk Tests 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, Elon Musk publicly tested the Starlink network.
November 2019: Launch of Starlink v1.0 Satellites
Since November 2019, SpaceX began launching Starlink v1.0 satellites with additional characteristics.
November 20, 2019: Signal Loss Recorded at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory
On November 20, 2019, the Blanco telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) recorded strong signal loss and image noise correlated to the transit of a recently launched Starlink satellite train.
2019: Transition to Manufacturing
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.
2019: Began Launching Satellites
In 2019, SpaceX began launching Starlink satellites.
2019: USAF Tests Starlink Data Link 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. Also in late 2019, the United States Air Force successfully tested a connection with Starlink on an AC-130 Gunship.
March 2020: SpaceX Reports Producing Six Satellites Per Day
In March 2020, SpaceX reported producing six Starlink satellites per day, indicating a significant increase in production capacity.
April 2020: SpaceX Requests to Lower All Higher Satellite Orbits
In April 2020, SpaceX requested to lower all other higher satellite orbits to about 550 km and modified the architecture of the Starlink network.
April 17, 2020: SpaceX to Test Light Pollution Mitigation Methods
On April 17, 2020, SpaceX announced in an FCC filing it would test new methods of mitigating light pollution and provide satellite tracking data to astronomers.
April 27, 2020: Musk Announces Sunshade for Starlink Satellites
On April 27, 2020, Elon Musk announced the introduction of a new sunshade designed to reduce the brightness of Starlink satellites.
June 2020: First Customer Antenna Photographs Seen Online
In June 2020, photos of Starlink customer antennas, referred to as "Dishy McFlatface," were first seen on the internet, confirming earlier statements that the terminals would resemble a "UFO on a stick".
July 2020: Approvals Received for Five Ground Stations in the U.S.
As of July 2020, SpaceX had received approvals for five of at least 32 applied-for ground stations in the United States.
July 2020: Limited Beta Internet Service Opened
In July 2020, Starlink's limited beta internet service was opened to invitees from the public.
September 2020: SpaceX Applies for Permission to Put Terminals on Ships
In September 2020, SpaceX applied for permission to install Starlink terminals on 10 of its ships, signaling intentions to enter the maritime market.
October 2020: Launch of "Better Than Nothing Beta" Service in the U.S.
In October 2020, SpaceX launched a paid beta service called "Better Than Nothing Beta" in the U.S., costing $499 for the user terminal and promising service with 50 to 150 Mbit/s and 20 to 40 ms latency over the next several months.
October 2020: Wider Public Beta Launched
In October 2020, a wider public beta was launched, where beta testers were charged the full monthly cost and could speak freely about their experience.
October 2020: SpaceX Awarded Contract to Develop Missile Tracking Satellites
In October 2020, the SDA awarded SpaceX an initial $150 million dual-use contract to develop 4 satellites for ballistic and hypersonic missile detection and tracking.
October 2020: Sunshade Implementation and Analysis
As of October 2020, over 200 Starlink satellites had a sunshade. An October 2020 analysis found them to be only marginally fainter than DarkSat.
2020: Lack of Updates on Samsung Constellation
By 2020, no more public information had been released about the Samsung constellation proposal.
2020: SpaceX Hires Retired General Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy
In 2020, SpaceX hired retired four-star general Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, who is linked to Starlink's military satellite development and is listed as a "chief operating officer" at SpaceX.
2020: Air Force Uses Starlink in Live-Fire Exercise
In 2020, the Air Force utilized Starlink in support of its Advanced Battlefield management system during a live-fire exercise, connecting to various air and terrestrial assets including the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker.
2020: Successful Testing of Inter-Satellite Laser Links
In late 2020, the inter-satellite laser links used by the Starlink satellites were successfully tested.
2020: Global Chip Shortage Delay
Starlink terminal production was delayed by the 2020–2023 global chip shortage.
January 2021: Brightness Study of Starlink Satellites
A study in January 2021 found the brightness of Starlink satellites to be at 31% of the original design.
January 2021: Expansion of Paid Beta Service to Other Continents
Starting in January 2021, the paid "Better Than Nothing Beta" service was extended to other continents, beginning with the United Kingdom.
January 24, 2021: Launch of Starlink v1.5 Satellites
Since January 24, 2021, SpaceX began launching Starlink v1.5 satellites, incorporating further advancements.
February 2021: NRECA Challenges SpaceX's FCC Subsidy Application
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. Concerns included funding allocation to non-rural locations, the unproven nature of the technology, and its beta testing phase.
March 2021: Application Submitted to FCC
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 Approved the Application for Use of E-band in Constellation
In April 2021, FCC approved the application for use of the E-band in Starlink's constellation
May 2021: Study on Interference from Transmitting Satellites
According to a May 2021 study, a large number of fast-moving transmitting stations (i.e. satellites) will cause further interference, which could lead to data loss and increased study time.
May 2021: Mobile Use on Rocket Prototype Tested
In May 2021, SpaceX tested high-altitude low-velocity mobile use on a rocket prototype.
November 2021: Destruction of Kosmos 1408 and Impact on Starlink Operations
The destruction of the Russian satellite Kosmos 1408 in November 2021 by an anti-satellite weapon test impacted Starlink operations.
December 1, 2021: Starlink Collision Avoidance Maneuvers Report
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.
2021: China Complains to UN About Starlink Satellites
In 2021, Chinese authorities lodged a complaint with the United Nations, saying their space station had performed evasive maneuvers that year to avoid Starlink satellites, citing collision risks and dangers to astronauts.
2021: SpaceX Preparing for Production of Starlink v2 Satellites
In early 2021, SpaceX was preparing for the production of Starlink v2 satellites, with Musk stating they would be "…an order of magnitude better than Starlink 1" in terms of communications bandwidth.
2021: Pre-Orders Opened
In early 2021, pre-orders were first opened to the public in the United States and Canada.
2021: Global Chip Shortage Delay
Starlink terminal production was delayed by the 2020–2023 global chip shortage.
2021: Telesat Constellation Plans
Telesat announced a smaller 117 satellite constellation in 2015 with plans to deliver initial service in 2021.
January 2022: SpaceX Deploys 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 Satellites
On February 3, 2022, 49 satellites were launched as Starlink Group 4–7.
February 8, 2022: NTIA Warns FCC About Potential Starlink Impacts
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 of Starlink on low Earth orbit, increased 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 deal with the adverse effects of satellite constellations like Starlink, focusing on software tools, policies, outreach, and industry collaboration.
May 2022: Increase in 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 increased substantially, with over 1,700 out of 6,873 maneuvers being performed to avoid Kosmos 1408 debris alone.
May 2022: Chinese Researchers Discuss Destroying Starlink Constellation
In May 2022, Chinese military researchers published a strategy for destroying the Starlink constellation if they threaten national security, particularly highlighting concerns about reported military capabilities. Russian officials also warned Elon Musk and criticized Starlink, indicating it could become a legitimate military target.
May 2022: Starlink Gen2 Satellites to Launch on Starship
As of May 2022, SpaceX publicly stated that the second-generation (Gen2) Starlink satellites would need to be launched on Starship due to their larger size.
May 31, 2022: Starlink Collision Avoidance Maneuvers Report
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.
June 2022: IAU Releases Website for Satellite Tracking
In June 2022, the IAU released a website for astronomers to track satellites in order to minimize impact on astronomical observations.
July 2022: Introduction of Starlink Maritime
In July 2022, Starlink Maritime was introduced providing internet access on the open ocean. It offers speeds of 350 Mbit/s but requires a $10,000 maritime-grade user terminal and a $5,000 monthly service fee.
August 2022: Regulatory Filings Indicate Two Form Factors for Gen2 Satellites
In August 2022, SpaceX made formal regulatory filings with the FCC, indicating that they would build technically identical second-generation (Gen2) constellation satellites in two form factors: tailored for Falcon 9 and Starship launches.
August 2022: Starlink Lowers Service Costs in Select Countries
In August 2022, Starlink reduced monthly service fees for users in certain countries, with decreases of approximately 50% in Brazil and Chile.
August 2022: Security Specialist Presents Technical Architecture Details About Starlink Terminals
In August 2022, security specialist Lennert Wouters revealed technical architecture details about the Starlink terminals, highlighting the STMicroelectronics custom-designed chip named Catson as the main control unit, running the Linux kernel.
August 2022: Federal Aid Revoked
In August 2022, the FCC revoked the $885.5 million aid package awarded to SpaceX, stating that Starlink "failed to demonstrate" its ability to deliver the promised service.
September 2022: Original launch date of first batch of satellites
In September 2022, the first batch of satellites were originally scheduled to launch.
December 1, 2022: FCC Approval for Gen2 Constellation
On December 1, 2022, the FCC issued an approval for SpaceX to launch the initial 7500 satellites for its second-generation (Gen2) constellation.
December 2022: SpaceX Announces Starshield Service
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.
December 2022: Reached 1 Million Subscribers
In December 2022, SpaceX announced that Starlink reached over 1 million subscribers.
2022: Starlink Speeds Degraded
According to Ookla, in 2022, Starlink speeds degraded as more customers subscribed to the service, though SpaceX indicated that speeds should improve with the deployment of more satellites.
2022: Cash-Flow-Positive Quarter
During 2022, the Starlink business unit had a single cash-flow-positive quarter.
2022: Announced Starlink Business service
In 2022, SpaceX announced the Starlink Business service tier, which provides a larger high-performance antenna and listed speeds of between 150 and 500 Mbit/s with a cost of $2500 for the antenna and a $500 monthly service fee.
2022: Reported Revenue and Net Loss
In 2022, Starlink revenues were reportedly $1.4 billion with a net loss.
2022: Reported Revenue
In 2022, revenues from Starlink were reportedly $1.4 billion accompanied by a net loss.
2022: Contact with Russian 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.
February 2023: First Batch of Generation 2 Spacecraft Launched
In February 2023, the first batch of Generation 2 "Mini" spacecraft was launched. SpaceX uses brightness mitigation that includes a mirror-like surface and dark side orientation of solar panels.
February 27, 2023: Launch of First Set of V2 Mini-Satellites
On February 27, 2023, SpaceX launched the first set of 21 V2 mini-satellites, a more compact version of the original V2 blueprint, using Falcon 9. SpaceX also committed to reducing debris by keeping the Starlink tension rods attached to the Falcon 9 second stage.
March 2023: SpaceX Application for V-band Payload
In March 2023, SpaceX submitted an application to the FCC to add a V-band payload to the second generation satellites, modifying their original plan.
March 2023: Manufacturing of v2 mini Satellites
In March 2023, the company reported that they were manufacturing six Starlink "v2 mini" satellites per day as well as thousands of user terminals.
April 2023: Agreements for satellite-to-phone services
In April 2023, Rogers Communications signed an agreement with SpaceX to use Starlink for satellite-to-phone services in Canada. Also in April 2023, One NZ (formerly Vodafone New Zealand) announced a partnership with SpaceX's Starlink to provide 100% mobile network coverage over New Zealand.
April 2023: Launch of Satellites for Missile Tracking
In April 2023, after multiple delays, SpaceX eventually launched the first batch of satellites to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
May 2023: SpaceX Introduces Two More Form Factors with Direct-to-Cell Capability
In May 2023, SpaceX introduced two more form factors of Starlink satellites with direct-to-cellular (DtC) capability.
June 2023: Observational Study on Gen 2 Spacecraft Brightness
An observational study published in June 2023 reported that 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. They appear 12 times brighter before they reach the target orbit.
July 2023: Optus Partners with Starlink for Satellite-to-Phone Services in Australia
In July 2023, Optus in Australia announced a partnership with SpaceX for using 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. The contract is expected to support 54 mission partners across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
September 2023: SES Announces Cruise Line Service with Starlink
In September 2023, SES announced a satellite internet service for cruise lines. This service integrates Starlink satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and SES's own O3b mPOWER satellite constellation in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), offering speeds up to 3 Gbit/s per ship.
September 2023: First Starshield contract awarded
In September 2023, the Starshield program received its first contract from the U.S. Space Force.
October 2023: Musk Addresses Starlink Activation in Gaza
In October 2023, following calls to activate Starlink in Gaza after internet service disruptions, Elon Musk stated that Starlink connectivity would be provided for aid groups in Gaza, but only with the approval of the government of Israel.
October 2023: Radio Signal Leakage from Starlink Satellites Reported
In October 2023, research published in "Astronomy and Astrophysics Letters" reported that Starlink satellites were "leaking radio signals", which were brighter than any natural source in the sky at the site of the future Square Kilometer Array. The paper concluded that these emissions will be "detrimental to key SKA science goals without future mitigation".
December 1, 2023: Collision-Avoidance Maneuvers Report
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, averaging 14 maneuvers per satellite during the six-month period.
December 2023: Appeal Denied
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".
2023: Starlink Implements Data Cap
In 2023, Starlink implemented a 1 TB monthly data cap for all non-business users to improve service quality in densely populated areas.
2023: Starlink Used by Criminal Groups in Amazon
In 2023, The Associated Press reported that Brazilian organized criminal groups were heavily using Starlink in exploiting remote regions of the Amazon rainforest.
2023: Equivalent Cost Update
In 2023, the $10 billion from May 2018 was equivalent to $11,950,000,000.
2023: Global Chip Shortage Delay
Starlink terminal production was delayed by the 2020–2023 global chip shortage.
January 2, 2024: Launch of First Cell Phone Capable Satellites
On January 2, 2024, the first six cell phone capable satellites were launched.
January 8, 2024: SpaceX Successfully Tests Text Messaging via Direct-to-Cell
On January 8, 2024, SpaceX confirmed that it 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.
May 2024: Revenue Prediction for the Year
In May 2024, Starlink's revenue for the year was expected to reach $6.6 billion, later revised to $7.7 billion by December.
May 31, 2024: Collision-Avoidance Maneuvers Report
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, averaging 14 maneuvers per satellite during the six-month period.
June 2024: Announcement of "Starlink Mini" Portable User Terminal
In June 2024, the "Starlink Mini", a portable user terminal, was announced, supporting 100 Mbit/s download speed and designed to fit in a backpack, with initial rollout in Latin America at a $200 price.
July 2024: SpaceX Tests Starlink with Romanian Government
In July 2024, SpaceX began tests with the Romanian Ministry of National Defense and ANCOM to assess increasing the Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD) limit for Starlink. The goal of these tests is to improve Starlink's speed and coverage without impacting geostationary satellites, potentially influencing International Telecommunication Union regulations.
September 2024: Reached 4 Million Subscribers
In September 2024, SpaceX announced Starlink reached 4 million subscribers.
October 2024: Reported Contact with Russian Officials
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.
November 2024: Musk's Support for 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 2024, SMS text service is expected to begin.
2024: Starlink Adoption by Azawadi Separatist Group
In 2024, Starlink was adopted by the Azawadi separatist group, Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), for coordinating operations, sharing intelligence, and communicating its narrative. Its use in the Battle of Tinzaouaten allowed the FLA to maintain secure communication and increase its visibility.
2024: First Year of Profitability
In 2024, Starlink would be the first year of profitability for the service with a net profit of $72.7 million.
2024: T-Mobile and SpaceX Partner for Satellite Cellular Service
In 2024, T-Mobile US and SpaceX are partnering to introduce satellite cellular service to Starlink satellites, aiming to provide cell phone coverage across the US using T-Mobile's midband PCS spectrum. Testing will begin in 2024, with initial services including text messaging and later expanding to voice and limited data. This will use existing 4G LTE mobile devices.
2024: Tensions in Brazil
In 2024, tensions between Brazil and Elon Musk's business ventures escalated after Brazil's top court upheld a ban on X.
January 2025: S33 Lost Contact During Starlink Simulator Deployment Test
In January 2025, SpaceX planned a test with S33 to deploy ten Starlink "simulators" that were to reenter over the Indian Ocean. Contact with S33 was lost shortly before engine shutdown.
February 2025: Starlink Customer Base Exceeds 5 Million
As of February 2025, Starlink reported a global customer base of over 5 million users.
February 2025: Negotiators Pressure Ukraine with Starlink Shutdown Threat
In February 2025, U.S. negotiators Scott Bessent and Keith Kellogg reportedly pressured Ukraine to grant access to its critical minerals by threatening a potential Starlink shutdown. Musk denied the claims, while Reuters stood by its report.
February 28, 2025: US suspends military aid and intelligence to Ukraine
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 surrounding Starlink and political influence
In March 2025, Starlink faced several controversies. The director of the United States Department of Commerce's rural broadband program resigned, criticizing the Trump administration's focus on Starlink. Musk's political involvement led to protests from U.K. Starlink customers, and concerns arose over a Starlink user terminal at the White House. Simultaneously, the State Department promoted American satellite companies like Starlink, leading countries such as India to grant regulatory approval in hopes of avoiding tariffs.
May 2025: Starlink Constellation Status
As of May 2025, the Starlink constellation consists of over 7,600 mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit that communicate with designated ground transceivers, comprising 65% of all active satellites.
2025: Revenue Prediction
In 2025, Starlink's revenue was expected to reach $11.8 billion.
2025: Voice and data functionality expected
In 2025, voice and data functionality is expected.
2025: Expected Annual Revenue
In January 2017, SpaceX expected annual revenue from Starlink to reach $12 billion by 2022 and exceed $30 billion by 2025.
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