05/11/2024
Elon Musk Now Controls Two-Thirds of All Active Satellites:
Will the benefits outweigh the repercussions?
In September, Musk launched the 7,000th Starlink satellite into orbit, dramatically increasing his footprint around Earth.
According to data from CelesTrak, SpaceX currently has 6,370 active Starlink satellites in orbit, accounting for over 62% of all operational satellites globally. And there are several hundred more in orbit that are inactive.
Ultimately, his network of satellites has been increasing (and continues to increase) by about three satellites every day.
This rapid expansion of Starlink offers clear benefits, particularly in terms of global internet access. But there are also very notable drawbacks to this development.
By providing high-speed internet to remote areas, Starlink has the potential to bridge the digital divide in regions that have traditionally been underserved by conventional internet infrastructure.
The satellite network currently operates in 102 countries and serves more than three million customers, with plans to expand into dozens more.
However, SpaceX’s growing dominance has raised concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of one individual. With Musk controlling not only SpaceX and Starlink but also Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), some worry that his influence on global communications, economic data, and access to information could become too vast.
Moreover, the sheer number of satellites launched by SpaceX has sparked concerns about overcrowding in low-Earth orbit, which could increase the risk of collisions and debris, affecting future space operations.
And so, it remains to be seen whether this will be a net positive or negative for humanity.
