SpaceX to Launch First 26 Starlink V3 Satellites Into Orbit Aboard Starship

    SpaceX is preparing to launch the first Starlink V3 satellites into orbit on September 28. During the mission, 26 satellites will be carried aboard the Starship rocket. If the flight is successful, the next-generation Starlink satellites will be launched into orbit for the first time. Starship will also attempt for the first time to deliver a payload such as satellites into Earth orbit.    The new satellites are expected to feature major improvements over the previous generation. However, their exact technical specifications have not yet been disclosed. The Starlink network currently has more than 11 000 active satellites. Another 552 Starlink satellites have been launched into orbit since July 2. The new mission is expected to further strengthen SpaceX’s lead in the space-based internet sector.    Amazon Leo conducted its most recent successful launch 12 weeks ago, on July 2. At that time, an Atlas V rocket delivered 29 satellites into orbit. This brought the total number of satellites launched for the network to 396. Although Amazon announced that launches would accelerate after that, there have been no new missions. The commercial internet service that the company planned to launch in mid-2026 has not yet opened either.    The main reason for the delays is the rockets selected for Amazon Leo. The U.S. Space Force suspended Vulcan rocket flights in February 2026 after a malfunction occurred in the booster section. The investigation into the incident has not yet been completed. Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is also unable to fly after its sole launch pad was destroyed in May.    This month, Amazon ordered an additional 6 flights from Arianespace for the heavy-lift A64 rocket. The contract previously covered 18 launches, and that number has now risen to 24. However, a problem in an undisclosed component of the Ariane 6 rocket will delay flights for the remainder of 2026. The launch of 36 Leo satellites was planned for October, but these missions have been removed from the European spaceport’s schedule.    A total of 3 232 satellites are planned for the Amazon Leo network. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission extended the deadline for placing half of the satellites into orbit but required the company to increase its launch rate. Amazon previously said it could begin limited internet service with approximately 400 satellites. Because of these delays, it may take longer for the service to compete with Starlink globally.