April 28 marked a standout moment in space history, three major satellite networks expanded their presence in Earth’s orbit, adding 87 new satellites in a single day, making the day one of the top 20 most crowded space launch history. That list isn’t always one to be proud of, as it also includes destructive events where rockets broke apart, flooding orbit with debris.
China, contributing to the launch fest, sent 10 satellites aloft to grow its Xingwang satellite internet network—one of at least two ambitious national plans. The other, Qianfan, aims to add 15,000 satellites over time.
Not to be outdone, SpaceX, the Elon Musk-owned company, deployed 50 Starlink satellites via two separate launches—23 on the first and 27 on the second. And the pace didn’t slow; another 23 Starlink satellites were launched today, April 29. Starlink’s broader goal? A jaw-dropping 12,000 satellites initially, with a stretch target of 34,000.
Meanwhile, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, led by Jeff Bezos, entered the race with 27 satellites of its own. Their long-term goal is more modest in comparison, though still substantial: 3,236 satellites orbiting low around Earth.
In a world where internet access increasingly equates to basic societal participation, satellite broadband offers the promise of equality. “It is so important to live and participate in society, which is considered by many an essential utility,” the article points out. For remote and underserved areas, satellites could be a lifeline, enabling not just communication but also remote research, oceanic data collection, and disaster response.
But as with many technologies, affordability becomes a barrier. While the satellites might beam signals to the farthest corners of the globe, the cost of tapping into that signal remains out of reach for many.
The sky is growing brighter, and not necessarily in a good way. Reflective satellites often disrupt astronomical observations and introduce light pollution to previously pristine skies. According to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), nearly 15,000 objects now orbit Earth, with Starlink alone accounting for 7,234—making it the largest fleet of satellites by far.
The sharp spike in satellite numbers since 2020 is staggering. The first four months of 2025 have already surpassed all of 2018 in launch numbers. This raises alarms not just about aesthetics, but safety. The infamous Kessler Syndrome—a domino effect of space junk collisions—looms large. “Space junk collides with a satellite that breaks apart, creating more space junk,” the article warns. The chain reaction could make certain orbital zones unusable.
Behind the glow of progress lies a question of governance. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty remains the primary legal backbone for space regulation, but it’s woefully outdated. As it stands, companies can fill the sky with thousands of satellites, with little binding oversight.
And who controls these satellites holds immense influence. The article notes, “He who controls the internet controls the universe”—a stark reminder that connectivity can become a geopolitical lever. In 2022, for example, Elon Musk enabled Starlink access in Iran during anti-government protests. Starlink also became vital to Ukraine during the Russian invasion, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense.
