Orbital traffic surges: 13,026 active satellites as of October 1, 2025

October 2025 Key Facts:

• Six years ago, fewer than 2,000 satellites were in service.

• +23% increase in active satellites over the past 12 months.

• Starlink’s 8,366 satellites (Elon Musk) account for 64% of all active satellites worldwide, up 31% in a year.

• China now counts 1,102 active satellites, a 25% rise in one year.

• The European Eutelsat OneWeb constellation numbers 651 satellites in orbit.

Based on data collected and processed by its SYNAPSE digital platform, Look Up, a company specialized in space situational awareness and deploying a global network of space-traffic surveillance radars, presents, in partnership with the weekly magazine Le Point, the first publicly released large-scale figures on orbital traffic.

With the continuous growth in launches and active satellites, the deployment of mega-constellations, the evolving balance of power among spacefaring nations, and rising geopolitical tensions, the Look Up × Le Point Space Barometer highlights the major trends shaping orbital activity today.

“Space has never been as crowded and contested as it is today. Earth orbits have become a strategic domain where orbital traffic reflects the technological race, economic competition, and geopolitical, sometimes even military, power struggles. With our Look Up × Le Point Barometer, we aim to reveal the data behind these dynamics and showcase tangible examples of the new race for space,” said Michel Friedling, Co-founder and CEO of Look Up.

Click below to discover more data and trends from the Barometer, and deepen your understanding of orbital dynamics and the challenges of space sustainability in our official press release.

Press Contacts

Image 7: Stanislas de Saint Hippolyte – sdesainthippolyte@image7.fr – +33 6 25 16 04 07

Charlotte Le Barbier - clebarbier@image7.fr - +33 6 78 37 27 60

Look Up: Isabelle Gariador – i.gariador@lookupspace.com – +33 6 16 98 81 02