Satellites space junk.

Imaging that if you will!

SpaceX is lowering its Starlink mega constellation from 550 km to 480 km this year,  not for better internet, but to stop satellites from crashing into each other and triggering a wave of space junk.

The change will apply to around 4K Starlink units currently flying at the higher orbit and is expected to be completed within the year.

Flying lower increases atmospheric drag, which cuts collision risk and pulls dead satellites out of orbit faster.

Starlink now flies roughly 10K satellites, beaming broadband to everyone from homeowners to governments and Fortune 500s across multiple continents.

This is a rare example of Starlink tweaking its design to ease congestion, cut collision risk, and ensure dead satellites fall out of the sky faster instead of lingering as long‑lived junk. 

The move sets a precedent for rivals, that “move fast and launch things” now has to coexist with basic rules of orbital sustainability.

I always wanted to know how many, and what they were for.

Have you ever wondered? How many satellites are up there, and what are they up there for?

This is very interesting to say the least!

Here’s a clear snapshot of how many satellites orbit Earth today and what they’re used for based on the most recent tracking data:

How Many Satellites Are Around Earth?

Active satellites: 11,700 functioning satellites are currently in orbit (May 2025 estimate from astronomers tracking satellites). 

Total objects larger than a softball: Over 27,000 pieces, including inactive satellites and large debris (tracked by the U.S. Space Surveillance Network). 

Inactive/dead satellites + rocket parts: Thousands more “space junk” are circling Earth that no longer function but remain in orbit.

Note: Numbers change constantly as new satellites are launched and old ones deorbit.

Types of Orbits

Satellites are placed in different orbits depending on their mission:

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) below 2,000 km above Earth

Most satellites (especially large constellations like Starlink) are here. 

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) 2,000–35,000 km

Navigation systems like GPS sit here. 

Geostationary Orbit (GEO) 35,786 km above the equator

Satellites here appear fixed in the sky and are crucial for communications & weather satellites. 

Highly Elliptical Orbits and others

Special missions like certain communications, science, or polar coverage uses. 

What Are All These Satellites Used For?

Satellites serve many essential purposes. 

Here’s a breakdown of the major categories:

1. Communications (commonly ~50–60%)

Satellite internet (e.g., SpaceX Starlink and similar mega-constellations)

Television & radio broadcasts

Telephone and data relay

Military communications

Many of these are in GEO (fixed position) or LEO for internet constellations. 

2. Navigation & Timing

Global systems like GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU), BeiDou (China)

Provide positioning, navigation, and accurate timing worldwide.

Mostly in MEO. 

3. Earth Observation

Weather satellites (track storms, climate data)

Environmental monitoring (forests, oceans, ice, agriculture)

Disaster response & mapping

Primarily in LEO for high-resolution views. 

4. Science & Space Research

Study Earth’s magnetosphere, atmosphere, and space weather

Astronomy missions observing deep space or cosmic phenomena

Orbits vary widely. 

5. Defense & Intelligence

Reconnaissance satellites

Missile warning & surveillance systems

Secure military communications

Operated by national governments.

6. Technology Demonstration & Development

Test new satellite technologies.

Prototype systems before full deployment.

Often small satellites in LEO. 

7. Space Stations & Probes

International Space Station (ISS) and crewed platforms

Some deep-space missions temporarily orbit before moving outward

These are exceptions but part of human orbital assets.

Interesting Trends

Satellite numbers have rapidly grown from 1,400 in 2015 to over 10,000+ active by 2025 due primarily to commercial constellations like Starlink. 

Launches continue at a high rate (nearly a new rocket launch every 34 hours!), growing infrastructure for global networks. 

This growth drives concerns about space congestion, collision risk, and sustainable space traffic management.

Summary

| Category            | Approx. Active Satellites (2025)               |

| ---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|

| Communications         | a large portion of the 11,700 satellite count |

| Navigation & Timing  | dozens to hundreds (GPS & counterparts)   |

| Earth Observation       | hundreds                                                       |

| Science/Research        | tens to hundreds                                            |

| Military & Defense     | hundreds                                                       |

| Tech Demonstrations  | dozens to hundreds                                       |

Satellites are now essential to daily life on Earth, from phone calls and the internet to weather forecasting, navigation, science, and national security.

Thank you for reading,

Tim. 


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