Elon Musk’s push to lead the space race raises big science and climate questions

A new space race is rapidly taking shape far above Earth, driven largely by Elon Musk and his satellite internet venture Starlink.

The shift began on May 23, 2019, when Starlink launched its first batch of 60 satellites into orbit.

Within just two years, more than 1,600 Starlink satellites were circling the planet, surpassing the total number launched by the United States and the Soviet Union during the entire Cold War.

Since then, the pace has only accelerated. By December 2024, Starlink satellites made up the majority of all operational satellites in space.

As of December 2025, the network includes more than 9,000 active satellites.

This massive constellation supports Starlink’s mission to deliver fast and affordable internet worldwide, often providing vital connectivity during natural disasters, conflicts, or in regions with limited infrastructure.

However, experts have warned that such rapid growth raises serious regulatory, scientific, and environmental questions.

Victoria Samson of the Secure World Foundation said early discussions once considered 1,000 satellites unrealistic, making today’s figures difficult to manage.

Sky News analysis suggests Starlink now serves roughly one in every 140 internet users, placing it just behind AT&T globally.

Yet regulators are struggling to keep up, with data indicating that around 21% of Starlink users access the service from countries where it lacks official operating licences.