Did you see something bright and moving in the sky? Thinking it is Starlink satellites?
There are many Starlink satellites in orbit, but it is only a small portion of Starlink’s plan. This post tells you how many Starlink satellites are in orbit, what they look like, and how you can see them.
About Starlink Satellites?
The spaceflight company of Elon Musk, SpaceX’s Starlink, is a satellite network constellation. It is a huge satellite system that provides low-cost satellite internet access to remote locations. The Starlink satellite system was developed and made in 2015 and SpaceX launched the Starlink satellite into orbit in 2019.
However, the Starlink satellites launched into orbits in the form of groups. Each group contains 15 to 56 satellites, and each satellite has a lifespan of almost 5 years. At launch, the up-to-date Starlink satellite version V2 weighs almost 800 kilograms, or 1760 lbs. However, the older generation satellites are three times heavier, weighing around 260 kilograms (573 lbs).
How Many Starlink Satellites Are in Orbit?
According to the astronomer Jonathan McDowell, currently (in August), there are 6,350 Starlink satellites in orbit, of which 6,290 are working. However, the number of Starlink satellites is continually changing as Starlink launches more and more satellites.
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) right now approves 15,000 satellites in orbit. But Starlink plans to launch more than 42000 satellites into orbit to offer global coverage. So, the FCC’s approved satellite count is a small portion of Starlink’s ultimate objective.
The size of the Starlink satellite plan fears the astronomers. The bright orbiting objects affect the observations of the universe. Moreover, spacelift safety experts say that Starlink is causing collision hazards in Earth’s orbit. Along with that, old satellites are deorbited, and the metal burns in the earth’s atmosphere, triggering unpredictable climate changes on the planet.
How to See Starlink Satellites?
Starlink satellites orbit almost 342 miles, or 550 kilometers, above the Earth. When you see the Starlink satellites moving across the sky, it shows a spectacular sight. However, you can easily view these satellites with your naked eye if you know where and when to look. The satellites look like a thread of pearls or a train of bright lights moving in the night sky.
NOTE: After the launch and deployment of the Starlink satellites, they are easier to view for a day or two. But they become more difficult to view because they hike to their actual orbital height of 342 miles, or 550 kilometers.
Moreover, the mobile application of the Starlink locator is another convenient way to see Starlink satellites. It offers real-time data, shows the global coverage of every Starlink satellite, and provides data on how many are currently active or inactive in Earth’s atmosphere.
Here we have shared some other applications to help you with Starlink viewing.
- Sky Tonight
- Satellite tracker
- Star Walk 2
What Does a Starlink Satellite Look Like?
The body of every Starlink satellite is flat and rectangular and weighs almost 573 pounds or 260 kilograms. The central part has 4 antennas for transmitting internet signals, and a large solar array provides power. Every satellite uses lasers to connect with four other satellites in orbit. Each satellite also has ion thruster fuel that uses krypton gas to stay in orbit.
FAQs
Q: How fast does the Starlink satellite travel?
Starlink satellites travel at a high speed of 17,000 mph.
Q: How much time does the Starlink satellite take to circle the Earth?
Starlink satellites complete one orbit of Earth every 90 minutes. It means you can sometimes view them within just two hours of a previous sighting.
Q: Why do astronomers have issues with Starlink satellites?
Astronomers have issues with the Starlink satellites as they are bright and move in the sky speedily. It can get in the way when astronomers try to use a telescope to study the stars and galaxies.
Wrap Up
So now you know how many Starlink satellites are in orbit right now. Well, you can see them if you know when to look. but keep in mind that they will be only visible for a limited time once launched.
Let us know in the comment box if you want to know more about Starlink and other Elon Musk creations.
