260 Starlink Satellites Decommissioned by SpaceX: What’s Happening in Orbit.

Starlink Satellite Decommissioning Underway

According to ITC.ua — Техно: Between December 2025 and May 2026, SpaceX has taken 260 Starlink satellites out of service, with plans to retire an additional 349 units. This effort is part of the company’s broader strategy to deploy up to 42,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, aiming to deliver global internet coverage.

Of the decommissioned satellites, 176 belong to the first-generation Starlink fleet. Each Starlink satellite has an operational lifespan of roughly five years, meaning older units must eventually be removed. As part of this ongoing program, 472 satellites were already taken out of orbit between December 2024 and May 2025.

Satellite Specs and Future Plans

First-generation satellites weigh between 260 and 295 kilograms, while second-generation models range from 800 to 1,250 kilograms. The current Starlink constellation consists of over 10,000 satellites. In addition to retiring older hardware, SpaceX has received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch another 7,500 spacecraft.

To support its ambitions, the company is constructing a manufacturing facility spanning roughly one square kilometer. By the end of 2027, this plant is expected to produce about 1 gigawatt of computing power annually. These moves highlight SpaceX’s aggressive push to advance satellite technology and expand internet access to remote areas worldwide.

Retiring outdated satellites is a critical step in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the Starlink network. By disposing of older models, the company can improve service quality and reduce risks tied to space debris. The expansion of production capabilities and plans for new satellite launches show that SpaceX is actively building a global infrastructure to bring internet connectivity to the most remote corners of the planet.