SpaceX's Starlink Satellites: A New Era of Internet Access

A Remarkable Feat in Low Earth Orbit

SpaceX has launched over 10,000 satellites into low Earth orbit since the inception of its Starlink program in 2019. This milestone was reached with the 131st and 132nd Falcon 9 missions of 2025, launched from Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. The 10,000th satellite was part of the Starlink 11-19 mission, carrying 28 advanced v2 mini satellites.

Operational Satellites and Global Impact

• Not all satellites remain operational; some are intentionally de-orbited due to faults.
• Around 8,608 satellites are currently active.
• Starlink operates in 150 countries and territories, reaching all seven continents.
• It has transformed internet access, especially on commercial aircraft, with major airlines like Qatar and United adopting the service for stable connectivity.

Subscription Growth and Future Plans

• Starlink has amassed over 5 million subscribers worldwide, with 2.7 million joining in the past year alone.
• SpaceX aims to launch up to 30,000 satellites, far exceeding the current FAA approval of 12,000, to provide high-speed internet access to everyone.

Tesla's Subscription Policy Update

• Tesla has updated its subscription policy, extending the duration of services like Full Self-Driving and Premium Connectivity during vehicle service visits lasting more than a day.
• This change ensures customers get full value for their subscriptions, even when their cars are in the shop.

Full Self-Driving (Supervised) v14 Software Improvements

• Significant improvements have been made to lane switching, merging traffic awareness, and object avoidance.
• The software now handles merging traffic more courteously and confidently navigates around obstacles like mail trucks and Amish buggies.
• Areas for improvement include better speed consistency on local roads.
• The progress made with v14 is notable, with many issues from the previous version resolved.

Tesla's Model Y Reclaims Top Sales Spot in Europe

• Tesla's Model Y has reclaimed its top sales spot in Europe, selling 25,938 units in September.
• This achievement comes amid stiff competition from domestic car companies offering attractive and affordable EVs.
• The Model Y's success in Europe, the US, and China highlights its global appeal and dominance in the EV market.

Impressive Sales Performance

• Tesla's recent sales performance has been impressive, with the company delivering nearly half a million vehicles in the last three months, marking its best sales period to date.