SpaceX to Launch First Starlink V3 Satellites on Starship
SpaceX is set to launch the first Starlink V3 satellites on Starship. Tianhui satellites' close approaches highlight orbital congestion.
| Active satellites | 15,745 |
| Starlink active | 9,962 |
| Catalogued objects | 31,298 |
| Active close approaches | 19 |
| People in space | 10 |
SpaceX is poised to make history with the launch of its first Starlink V3 satellites aboard the Starship vehicle. The mission, designated Starship Flight 14, marks a significant step in SpaceX's ambitious plans to expand its satellite internet constellation. The launch will introduce the latest iteration of Starlink satellites, which are expected to offer enhanced performance and capabilities. As of 28 September 2026, 9,962 Starlink satellites were operational, according to Orbital Radar tracking data.
Orbital Congestion: Close Approaches
Recent data highlights the increasing congestion in Earth's orbit, with several close approaches involving Chinese Tianhui satellites. Notably, Tianhui 5C and Tianhui 5D came within approximately 1.22 km of each other. Such proximity events underscore the growing need for effective space situational awareness and collision avoidance strategies. Orbital Radar's SSA hub provides tools to monitor these close approaches and assess potential risks.
What to Watch
While no new launches are scheduled for the immediate future, the space community is keenly observing SpaceX's upcoming Starship mission. Additionally, the arrival of the next crew at Cape Canaveral signals preparations for their imminent journey to the International Space Station. For a comprehensive view of upcoming launches, visit the Orbital Radar launch schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
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📎 Cite this article · data available
Orbital Radar Newsroom. (2026). SpaceX to Launch First Starlink V3 Satellites on Starship. Orbital Radar. https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-09-28"SpaceX to Launch First Starlink V3 Satellites on Starship." Orbital Radar, 28 September 2026, https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-09-28.@misc{orbitalradar_orbital_briefing_2026_09_28,
title = {SpaceX to Launch First Starlink V3 Satellites on Starship},
author = {{Orbital Radar}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://orbitalradar.com/blog/orbital-briefing-2026-09-28}}
}
