SpaceX is gearing up to launch its third-generation Starlink satellites in the first half of 2026, marking a significant advancement in the capabilities of its satellite internet network. The company recently shared details about the upcoming satellites in a Starlink Network Update, highlighting the substantial improvements in performance that users can expect.
The third-gen Starlink satellites are set to deliver an impressive “order of magnitude improvement in capacity” compared to the current second-generation satellites. Thanks to advancements in hardware, computing, and networking capabilities, each new satellite will be capable of providing over 1,000 Gbps of downlink capacity and over 200 Gbps of uplink capacity. This represents a more than 10x increase in downlink and a 24x increase in uplink compared to the existing second-gen satellites.
SpaceX plans to launch these next-gen satellites aboard its Starship rocket, with each launch expected to add 60 Tbps of capacity to the Starlink network. This is more than 20 times the capacity that a typical launch adds with the current satellites. Additionally, the new satellites will operate at a lower orbit, reducing latency for users, and will feature advanced technology such as next-generation modems, beamforming, switching, and onboard computers to support growing demand and the rollout of 5G technology.
The company emphasized that the Starlink system is designed to scale rapidly and improve continuously to meet the rising demand for high-speed internet connectivity around the world. With more than 2 million active subscribers in the U.S. and over 500,000 users in Canada, Starlink has been making significant strides in expanding its user base and improving its service quality. Recent data from Ookla even shows that Starlink nearly doubled its median download speeds in the U.S. between Q3 2022 and Q1 2025.
Overall, SpaceX’s upcoming third-generation Starlink satellites promise to usher in a new era of high-speed and reliable satellite internet service, with enhanced capacity, lower latency, and advanced technology to meet the evolving needs of users worldwide. As the company continues to innovate and expand its network, Starlink is well-positioned to remain a leading provider of satellite internet services in the years to come.