Starlink’s rapid growth reshapes the LEO satellite market as competition with Project Kuiper intensifies. (Image source: Dataxis)
Starlink, a pioneer in the LEO satellite market, is accelerating its growth with ambitious plans to deploy more satellites and expand its network capacity. The company aims to have over 6,500 satellites in orbit and 5 million customers by the end of 2024
To attract even more users, Starlink is experimenting with lower-cost plans and equipment.
According to Carlos Blanco, principal analyst at Dataxis, competition looms as Amazon’s Project Kuiper prepares to enter the market in early 2025. Amazon faces the significant challenge of deploying its satellite fleet and carving out a commercial presence. Both Starlink and Project Kuiper are expected to exhibit extensive vertical integration, potentially making it tough for competitors to rival their dominance. This dynamic signals a new era in the golden age of LEO satellites, driven by ambitious strategies and increasing competition.
SpaceX, Starlink's parent company, operates across the entire value chain—designing and manufacturing satellites and launchers, providing user equipment, managing distribution logistics, and running the service. Such comprehensive vertical integration is unprecedented in the industry.
For 2024, SpaceX has set an aggressive target of 148 launches, 50 more than its 2023 tally. This schedule averages one mission every two and a half days. By October, SpaceX had already completed 108 launches, with just one failure. Of these, 74 missions were dedicated to deploying Starlink satellites, adding 23 units per mission and totaling 1,700 new satellites in just ten months.
