Elon Musk’s SpaceX now controls two-thirds of the active satellites orbiting Earth.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has achieved a significant milestone in space exploration and communications. This week, SpaceX launched its 7,000th Starlink satellite, reinforcing its dominance in satellite technology. According to Musk, Starlink now constitutes approximately two-thirds of all active satellites orbiting Earth.

Since its inaugural launch in 2019, the Starlink network has grown rapidly, with SpaceX adding about three new satellites to the constellation each day. Recent data from CelesTrak, a non-profit satellite tracker, indicates that SpaceX oversees 6,370 active Starlink satellites in low-Earth orbit. This figure represents over 62% of all operational satellites globally, marking a substantial increase from three years ago. In contrast, Starlink’s nearest competitor, the UK-based startup OneWeb, operates roughly one-tenth as many satellites.

SpaceX has set ambitious goals to deploy up to 42,000 satellites to deliver high-speed internet and phone connectivity worldwide. Presently, Starlink operates in 102 countries, serving more than three million customers with its $300 ground-based dish. However, the service faces limitations in certain nations such as Afghanistan, China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Syria, due to internet bans or trade embargoes.

Despite these restrictions, Starlink has had a notable impact. For instance, activists in Iran have illegally imported Starlink receivers, highlighting the network’s extensive reach and influence.

Musk proudly announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Starlink now accounts for approximately two-thirds of all active satellites in orbit.

However, SpaceX's preeminence in space has prompted concerns about the concentration of power. Musk has acknowledged the extensive real-time global economic data he obtains from his ventures, including Tesla, Starlink, and X. This considerable control has sparked debates about the potential implications of such substantial influence over both space and digital communication.