starlink network

Starlink is a satellite internet network operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a subsidiary of SpaceX. It consists of a large constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites—over 7,600 as of mid-2025—that provide global broadband internet coverage across around 130 countries and territories. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, Starlink’s LEO satellites orbit roughly 550 km above the Earth, which significantly reduces latency to around 20 milliseconds compared to 600+ milliseconds of older satellite networks. This enables activities such as streaming, video calls, online gaming, and remote work even in remote or rural areas. Starlink aims to have nearly 12,000 satellites in its constellation, with plans potentially expanding to over 34,000 satellites. The Starlink network uses advanced technologies including phased array and parabolic antennas on each satellite, ion thrusters fueled by krypton for maneuvering, and increasingly optical inter-satellite laser links, which help transmit data between satellites without the need for ground stations, thus enabling truly global coverage—including remote areas like Antarctica and maritime regions. The network supports high speeds, with typical download speeds ranging between 25 and 220 Mbps, and offers low latency favorable for real-time internet use cases. Starlink’s infrastructure and satellite design allow the services to cover virtually any location with clear sky visibility, making it especially valuable for rural communities, mobile use (vessels, aircraft), and regions underserved by traditional broadband infrastructure. The service has rapidly grown to millions of subscribers worldwide and is partnered with various companies to expand access further. In summary, Starlink is a cutting-edge satellite internet network leveraging a growing LEO satellite constellation to provide high-speed, low- latency internet worldwide, focusing on remote, rural, and mobile connectivity solutions.