SpaceX has reached an incredible milestone with its Starlink program, officially surpassing 10,000 satellites launched into low Earth orbit since the program's inception in 2019. On Sunday, October 19, SpaceX successfully launched its 131st and 132nd Falcon 9 missions of 2025, one from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and the other from Vandenberg, California. Among these launches, the milestone 10,000th Starlink satellite, designated Starlink 11-19, was included in the California launch, which carried 28 v2 mini optimized satellites.
This remarkable achievement was tracked and validated by satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell. The first Starlink launch occurred on May 23, 2019, when SpaceX deployed its initial batch of 60 satellites from Cape Canaveral using a Falcon 9 rocket. According to the tracker, out of the over 10,000 satellites now in orbit, 8,608 are operational, while some have been intentionally de-orbited after becoming faulty and subsequently destroyed in the atmosphere.
SpaceX has made significant strides in its development of the Starlink program, revolutionizing internet access globally. The service has gained millions of active subscribers for both personal and business use, establishing numerous commercial partnerships. Currently, Starlink operates in approximately 150 countries, territories, and markets, providing internet access on all seven continents.
With over 5 million subscribers worldwide, Starlink has seen a remarkable growth of 2.7 million new users in the past year alone. This program has also transformed internet connectivity on commercial aircraft, with several major airlines, including Qatar and United, installing Starlink to offer passengers and crew more stable connections during flights.
SpaceX holds approval from the FAA to launch a total of 12,000 Starlink satellites, with plans to expand its constellation to over 30,000 satellites. This ambitious goal aims to ensure that anyone, anywhere, can access high-speed internet.
In a separate development, Tesla has revised its policy regarding subscriptions and service, a change that owners are likely to appreciate. Previously, if a subscription to Full Self-Driving or Premium Connectivity was active for 30 days, the expiration date would remain fixed, even if the vehicle was at Tesla Service for several days. This often resulted in owners losing valuable subscription time.
However, Tesla's new policy states that if a service visit exceeds one business day, any active subscriptions or free trials will be extended to accommodate the duration of the service. This customer-centric approach demonstrates Tesla's commitment to enhancing the ownership experience.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software has recently received significant updates with the release of version 14.1.4. Owners have reported substantial improvements, including enhanced lane switching behavior and increased awareness of merging traffic. Many users express satisfaction with how the software now navigates around obstacles and maintains consistent speed.
Some of the key improvements from version 14 include:
Better Lane Switching: FSD has improved its ability to switch lanes more courteously, no longer camping in the left lane unnecessarily. Awareness of Merging Traffic: The software has become more adept at allowing merging vehicles into busy traffic, demonstrating greater situational awareness. Object Avoidance: Enhanced algorithms now allow FSD to navigate around road hazards smoothly, improving overall safety and reliability. Speed Consistency: Version 14 has streamlined speed adjustments, allowing for a smoother driving experience on both local roads and highways.The Tesla Model Y has reclaimed its position as a top seller in the competitive electric vehicle market, outpacing rivals and regaining its previous crown. Despite a challenging landscape with the influx of new EVs, particularly in Europe and China, the Model Y managed to secure the title of best-selling car in Europe for September with 25,938 sales, according to Automotive News.
While the Model Y experienced an 8.6% decrease in sales compared to the same month in 2024, it still emerged victorious over competitors like the Renault Clio and Dacia Sandero. Despite this strong showing, the Model Y has not consistently ranked among the top three EVs in Europe throughout the year.
In the United States, the Model Y continues to dominate the EV sales charts, maintaining its popularity among consumers. The vehicle's combination of premium features, cutting-edge technology, and attractive design has made it a favorite in various markets, including China, where competition is fierce.
As 2025 progresses, the Tesla Model Y is poised to remain a top contender in global vehicle sales, further solidifying Tesla's position as a leader in the electric vehicle market.
