Elon Musk expands Starlink, controlling two thirds of satellites

Elon Musk's SpaceX has achieved a significant milestone by launching its 7,000th Starlink satellite, which has resulted in the company controlling approximately 62% of all operational satellites in low-Earth orbit. Since its inception in 2019, the Starlink network has expanded rapidly, adding an average of three satellites daily. Currently, SpaceX operates 6,370 active satellites, far surpassing its closest competitor, OneWeb, which has about one-tenth of that number. The growth of the Starlink constellation is part of SpaceX's ambitious plan to deploy up to 42,000 satellites, aimed at providing high-speed internet access globally. The service is expected to be available in numerous countries, with notable exceptions due to internet restrictions or trade embargoes, including Afghanistan, China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Syria. Despite these restrictions, some individuals in these countries have managed to access Starlink services through illegally imported equipment. Musk has expressed that his control over SpaceX and Starlink gives him unprecedented access to real-time global economic data, which raises concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual. The recent launch of 21 additional satellites from Cape Canaveral, Florida, further solidifies SpaceX's dominance in the satellite industry. The implications of this dominance are significant, as it not only affects global internet access but also raises questions about regulatory oversight and the potential for monopolistic practices in the space sector. As SpaceX continues to expand its satellite network, the balance of power in the telecommunications landscape may shift dramatically.