SpaceX has reached a symbolic milestone by launching the 10,000th satellite in the Starlink constellation. In addition, it broke the record for reusing a rocket stage, returning it from space for the 31st time.
Falcon 9 rocket launch. Source: SpaceX
The first two Starslink satellite prototypes were launched into orbit in 2018. In May 2019, SpaceX launched the first test batch of 60 devices, which were used to test the main aspects of their operation, their interaction with each other, and the method for de-orbit.
The first operational batch of Starlink was launched on November 11, 2019. Since then, SpaceX has rapidly expanded its fleet, which quickly has become the largest in history. According to calculations by astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, as of October 18, 2025, Starlink statistics were as follows:
Total number of Starlink satellites launched: 9,950
Number of Starlink satellites in orbit: 8,624
Number of Starlink satellites in operational status: 8,608
Number of Starlink satellites in their orbital position and operating as part of the constellation: 7,455
On October 19, SpaceX carried out two Falcon 9 launches at once. The first rocket was launched from the Cape Canaveral spaceport. It successfully placed 28 Starlink satellites (Starlink batch 10-17) into orbit.
Deployment of Starlink satellites. Source: SpaceX
The second Falcon 9 was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base. It put another 24 Starlink satellites into orbit (Starlink group 11-19). Thus, SpaceX has surpassed the symbolic milestone of 10,000 Starlink satellites sent into space.
The launch of the Starlink group 10-17 was also interesting in that SpaceX once again managed to break the record for reusable rocket stages. It used a stage with the side number B1067. The Starlink launch mission was its 31st flight into space. After separation, the stage made a successful landing on an autonomous barge in the Atlantic Ocean.
Stage B1067. Source: Richard P. Gallagher
SpaceX has no intention of resting on its laurels. Throughout 2024, the company carried out 89 Starlink launches. In 2025, SpaceX has already launched 93 Starlink batches. The company’s immediate goal is to create a group of 12,000 working devices. In the future, it may be expanded to 34,000 satellites.
You can learn more about how Starlink and other modern satellite constellations that provide us with communication and navigation work in our article.