Starlink satellite system
Starlink uses many spacecraft in low Earth orbit. Its network has several shells at different altitudes and inclinations.
Why are there so many satellites?
A low-orbit spacecraft moves quickly relative to Earth and sees only a limited area. Satellites must hand over coverage as they pass. Groups of orbits with similar altitude and inclination form orbital shells.
The map lets you show satellites, orbits, shells and geometric visibility areas separately. For a dense system, some lines represent averaged orbital planes. This reveals the structure but does not replace each spacecraft’s exact orbit.
What the map does not measure
Object positions are calculated from open CelesTrak elements. Coverage geometry does not account for radio frequencies, network capacity, ground stations, service restrictions or availability in a particular country.