Starlink is the satellite-internet constellation developed by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX. It uses many satellites in low Earth orbit to provide broadband internet access to users on the ground.
SpaceX began launching prototype Starlink satellites in 2018 and launched its first large operational batch in 2019. The satellites communicate with ground stations and user terminals, and newer spacecraft also use inter-satellite laser links for some network connections.
Starlink’s low-orbit architecture is intended to reduce signal delay compared with traditional geostationary satellite internet. The service has expanded across multiple regions, subject to national approvals and local licensing requirements.
Starlink is not the same as OneWeb, Iridium, or Amazon’s Project Kuiper. Those are separate satellite-communications projects operated by different companies. Starlink is specifically the constellation created and operated by SpaceX.