Starlink isn't one constellation — it's several overlapping shells of satellites at different altitudes and inclinations, designed to blanket Earth in continuous broadband coverage. Understanding the architecture explains both its strengths and its limitations.
Starlink isn't one constellation — it's several overlapping shells of satellites at different altitudes and inclinations, designed to blanket Earth in continuous broadband coverage. Understanding the architecture explains both its strengths and its limitations.
The first-generation constellation was authorised for 4,408 satellites. Gen2 approval covers up to 30,000. SpaceX launches batches of 20–60 satellites on a single Falcon 9, deploying a new batch roughly every 5 days.
Each shell operates at a specific altitude and inclination, optimised for different coverage zones.
Newer Starlink satellites communicate with each other via lasers — reducing dependence on ground stations.
Even with laser links, signals must eventually reach terrestrial internet infrastructure.
Next: how does Starlink compare to its competitors — OneWeb and Amazon Kuiper?