SpaceX has officially lifted the curtain on its next-gen V3 Starlink satellites, marking a major advancement in global broadband technology. Designed to deliver gigabit connectivity and add an impressive 60 terabits per second (Tbps) of total downlink capacity to the Starlink network, these new satellites promise to dramatically expand both speed and coverage for users around the world.
The reveal came during a live stream of the 11th Starship flight test, where SpaceX showcased the scale and power of the new V3 satellites and made clear why the company is transitioning from the Falcon 9 to the Starship as its go-to launcher.
The size jump between Starlink generations is staggering. The V3 satellites each weigh up to 2,000 kilograms (4,409 pounds) more than three times heavier than the current V2 Mini models (under 600 kg), and nearly seven times heavier than the early V1 units (around 300 kg). The new design takes advantage of Starship’s massive lift capacity, which can deploy up to 60 V3 satellites per launch.
According to SpaceX, the V3 satellites will “bring gigabit connectivity to users and are designed to add 60 Tera-bits-per-second of downlink capacity to the Starlink network.”
Each V3 satellite is reportedly capable of 1,000 Gbps download and 200 Gbps upload bandwidth, making them over ten times faster than their predecessors. These upgrades will help ease congestion and improve reliability, especially in high-demand regions where user density has strained the existing network.
SpaceX’s shift from Falcon 9 to the Starship system is a necessary step for deploying the V3 fleet. The Starship’s greater payload capacity enables not just more satellites per flight, but also the ability to launch much heavier, more capable hardware. As PCMag noted, the company’s latest live stream showed how Starship is essential for handling the scale of this next generation.
With Starship, each mission adds a massive wave of new network capacity bringing Elon Musk’s original vision of a global high-speed broadband network closer to reality.
The new V3 satellites are expected to begin deployment early next year, ushering in an era where Starlink could genuinely rival terrestrial broadband networks. The satellites’ advanced architecture aims to fix lingering issues like regional slowdowns and coverage gaps that have frustrated some users.
However, SpaceX has noted that new user hardware may be required to fully benefit from the gigabit-level speeds and expanded capabilities offered by V3 satellites.
While the new satellites bring more power and capacity, they also raise new challenges particularly in sustainability. Each V3 satellite’s large mass means more material must safely burn up upon reentry at the end of its lifespan. SpaceX maintains that, like prior generations, the V3 models are designed to completely disintegrate upon reentry, minimizing the risk of debris reaching Earth.
Still, with thousands more satellites planned for orbit, space debris management remains a growing concern for regulators and space agencies worldwide.