Starlink launches 400 additional polar-aimed satellites

Recent SpaceX Starlink launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base are bringing a new wave of high-speed internet capacity to those living in northern latitudes, one of the most connectivity-challenged regions in the United States.

The three October missions, including a 28-satellite batch launched Saturday, are part of an accelerated expansion of Starlink’s low-Earth orbit network aimed at improving coverage in high-latitude regions.

Northern geography, stretching to 71°N latitude, has long made reliable broadband difficult to achieve. Polar-orbiting satellites are the key to changing that. The latest Vandenberg launches, optimized for polar paths, are helping double network capacity across the Arctic. SpaceX plans to place more than 400 additional polar-inclination satellites into orbit by the end of 2025.

Early performance data from Arctic users show median peak-hour download speeds rising from roughly 100 Mbps to nearly 200 Mbps over the past month. The additional satellites reduce congestion during high-demand hours, particularly in remote “bush” communities that rely on Starlink as their only high-speed option.

The constellation’s redundancy also adds resilience. In 2023, when ice damaged the Quintillion subsea fiber cable and severed broadband service to northern Alaska, Starlink provided vital backup for emergency services and utilities. The expanded fleet strengthens that safety net.

Since Starlink’s Arctic rollout in late 2022, it has become a lifeline for residents in isolated communities, where older options were both slow and costly — sometimes reaching $200 a month for limited data. Households now use Starlink for video calls, tax filings, distance learning, and telemedicine. Rural schools and school districts, under tight budgets, have integrated the network for virtual classrooms and teacher collaboration.

Businesses, too, are benefiting. Fishing operations, tour companies, and homesteaders now have reliable upload capacity for live streaming, IoT monitoring, and online bookings. Starlink’s compact “Mini” hardware is gaining popularity among travelers and mobile entrepreneurs who need connectivity on the road.

Still, high demand in cities of the north has led to temporary “sold-out” status and surcharges over $100 in some areas. SpaceX’s increased capacity is expected to ease these bottlenecks by the end of the year.

The October launches also introduced next-generation V2 Mini satellites capable of up to 6.7 Gbps upload per cell, improving reliability for shared-use environments such as community hubs and tribal offices.

Starlink’s growing polar network is also reaching airlines. Alaska Airlines announced plans in August to equip its fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi beginning in 2026, with completion expected by 2027. The system promises gate-to-gate connectivity with speeds up to 500 Mbps and latency under 100 milliseconds, even on transpolar routes to Asia and Europe.