SpaceX Throws More Satellites Into Orbit Than Countries Have Airports
KEY POINTS
- •SpaceX launched 1,589 Starlink satellites in the first half of 2026, exceeding last year’s pace.
- •They have deployed a total of over 12,400 satellites since inception, with nearly 11,000 still operational.
- •This launch velocity significantly dwarfs Amazon’s fledgling Leo satellite service’s deployments.
In the first half of 2026, SpaceX outdid itself by launching a mind-boggling 1,589 Starlink satellites, shattering last year’s record of 1,489 deployed by this very time in 2025. To put that into perspective, the total Starlink constellation has ballooned past 12,400 satellites since inception, with barely 1,400 dead weight floating aimlessly in space—still, nearly 11,000 starry-eyed satellites are firing on all thrusters in low-Earth orbit as we speak. Meanwhile, Amazon’s Leo service seems to be casually deploying an invisible handful compared to this glossy Elon Musk satellite bender. Houston, we have an orbit party. Again.
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(1 of 3)SpaceX launched so many satellites they’re basically creating their own GPS for the sun, and Earth just got photobombed.
At this rate, SpaceX’s satellites will rival Starbucks in sheer global coverage. Your wifi just got multiplied by Elon.
SpaceX: Out here treating space like a Black Friday Walmart for satellites with no checkout line in sight.
Source: Theverge | Published: 7/9/2026 | Author: Thomas Ricker
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