Starlink / Space and broadband
How High Do Starlink Satellites Orbit?
550 km is only part of the answer.
The answer
Starlink satellites orbit at different heights. Its older public reference is about 550 km (342 miles) above Earth. During 2026, Starlink says it is lowering remaining satellites above 500 km. Its published end-of-year arrangement puts V1/V2 broadband shells around 450–490 km, direct-to-cell shells near 359–360 km, and planned future V3 broadband satellites in the 330–360 km region. The move is still in progress, so 550 km remains relevant to some satellites.
Scale runs from 0 to 600 km above Earth. This shows published shell ranges and plans, not live positions.
01 / Which altitude is which?
The current Starlink altitude guide
Starlink’s constellation-altitudes guidance lists the shells it plans to use after its 2026 lowering programme. A shell is a set of working orbits grouped by altitude and inclination. Starlink says the remaining satellites above 500 km are still being moved; it aims to complete that work by the end of 2026.
| Satellite group | Altitude above Earth | What that figure means |
|---|---|---|
| V1/V2 broadband | 462.5–485 km | Starlink lists four mean shell altitudes: 462.5, 463, 472.5 and 485 km. Together, they sit within its rounded 450–490 km end-state range. |
| V1 direct-to-cell | 358.5–360 km | Two lower mean shells used for the direct-to-cell part of the constellation. |
| V3 broadband | 330–360 km | Starlink’s intended region for future V3 vehicles through late 2026 and 2027; it says these plans may be refined. |
| Older higher orbits | Above 500 km | Still relevant while satellites are lowered to newer assignments. About 550 km is the familiar older reference. |
The exact shell figures are mean orbital values in Starlink’s publication. An individual spacecraft can be temporarily higher or lower while manoeuvring.
Authorised does not mean occupied. The US FCC has approved multiple lower Gen2 shells. Approval permits deployment under licence conditions; it does not show that every slot has been filled or that the lowering process is finished.
02 / Why it changes
A satellite does not stay at one height throughout its life
The working shell is only one stage. Starlink describes a lower insertion orbit, temporary waypoints while the satellite climbs, its assigned service orbit, and a descending path when it is retired. That is why a newly launched “train” can look different from the spacecraft already providing broadband.
- After launchDeployment can take place in a lower insertion orbit. Starlink gives roughly 300 km as one example; missions vary.
- Orbit raisingSatellites use propulsion and temporary waypoints to reach their assigned altitude and spacing.
- On stationThe craft operates in a designated shell, with small adjustments to maintain its position.
- End of lifeStarlink aims to deorbit retiring spacecraft. If propulsion fails, drag at lower altitude helps the orbit decay sooner.
The 550 km number also persists because Starlink’s broad technology overview still uses it. For the newer shell-by-shell picture, its space-safety guidance is more specific. Our separate article explains what the Gen2 orbit changes mean for latency.
03 / Put the heights in context
Is Starlink above the space station?
It depends on which Starlink group you mean. NASA gives the International Space Station an operating range of about 370–460 km. Starlink’s direct-to-cell shells near 360 km are below it. Its planned V1/V2 broadband shells around 450–490 km are generally higher, with an overlap at the edge of NASA’s broad range. These paths also differ in inclination; altitude alone does not show how close spacecraft are to one another at a particular time.
A lower orbit shortens the satellite part of the signal path compared with geostationary systems. It also means more atmospheric drag. Starlink cites faster decay after an unpowered failure as one reason for moving below 500 km. Orbit height alone cannot tell you your exact broadband speed or ping; ground routing, capacity and equipment matter too.
If you want the separate calculation for one circuit, read how long a Starlink satellite takes to orbit Earth.
The short version
About 550 km is the older, well-known Starlink answer. The updated answer is a range: broadband shells are heading mainly below 500 km, direct-to-cell satellites are lower, and V3 has a still-developing lower-altitude plan. Check which generation and mission stage a number describes before comparing it.
FAQs About Starlink’s Orbital Height
How high do Starlink satellites orbit?
There is no single altitude. Starlink’s older public reference is about 550 km, while its end-of-2026 V1/V2 broadband plan is mainly around 450–490 km. Direct-to-cell shells sit near 359–360 km, with future V3 broadband planned for a lower region.
Do all Starlink satellites orbit at 550 km?
No. About 550 km is the familiar older reference. Starlink is moving remaining higher satellites into several shells below 500 km, and its direct-to-cell satellites use lower orbits.
Why are some Starlink satellites lower than others?
Different satellite groups use different orbital shells. A satellite can also be lower during deployment or deorbiting than it is in its assigned working orbit.
Are Starlink satellites above the ISS?
Some are and some are not. NASA gives the ISS an operating range of about 370–460 km. Starlink’s direct-to-cell shells near 360 km are below it, while planned V1/V2 broadband shells around 450–490 km are generally higher, with some overlap at the edge.
Hasnaat Mahmood
Broadband & Technology Expert
Hasnaat writes about satellite broadband, Starlink, UK internet providers and connectivity technology for FindCheapBroadband.