SpaceX Expands Starlink Network with 27 New Satellites
SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, increasing the operational Starlink network to 9,835 units.
| Active satellites | 15,733 |
| Starlink active | 9,835 |
| Catalogued objects | 31,428 |
| Predicted re-entries | 24 |
| Active close approaches | 23 |
| People in space | 10 |
SpaceX has successfully launched 27 Starlink V2 Mini satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This launch brings the total number of operational Starlink satellites to 9,835 as of 20 September 2026, according to Orbital Radar's Starlink Tracker. The V2 Mini satellites are part of SpaceX's strategy to enhance global internet coverage with more compact and efficient units.
International Space Station Receives New Supplies
A Russian Progress cargo ship has docked with the International Space Station (ISS), delivering essential supplies and equipment. This mission is part of a regular resupply schedule to ensure the ISS remains fully operational for its current crew of 10 astronauts. The arrival of the cargo ship underscores the importance of international cooperation in maintaining human presence in low Earth orbit.
Orbital Anomalies and Close Approaches
Several close approaches between satellites were recorded recently, highlighting the need for vigilant space situational awareness. Notably, COSMOS 2581 and COSMOS 2583 had a particularly close encounter with a minimum distance of approximately 0.23 km. Orbital Radar's SSA hub provides tools to monitor such events, crucial for preventing potential collisions.
What to Watch
While no new launches are scheduled for the immediate future, the space community is closely monitoring the predicted re-entries of 24 objects soon. These events are tracked in real-time on Orbital Radar's Re-entry Tracker. Additionally, the ongoing analysis of space weather conditions, currently showing a Kp index of 3, suggests stable conditions for satellite operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Starlink satellites are operational as of September 2026?
What is the significance of the recent Russian Progress cargo ship mission?
📎 Cite this article · data available
Orbital Radar Newsroom. (2026). SpaceX Expands Starlink Network with 27 New Satellites. Orbital Radar. https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-09-20"SpaceX Expands Starlink Network with 27 New Satellites." Orbital Radar, 20 September 2026, https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-09-20.@misc{orbitalradar_orbital_briefing_2026_09_20,
title = {SpaceX Expands Starlink Network with 27 New Satellites},
author = {{Orbital Radar}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-09-20}}
}
