961
Starlink's revenues continue to grow, but Elon Musk's political activism creates risks for the business that could affect its global expansion.
In 2024, SpaceX’s satellite internet service generated between $7,8 billion and $8,2 billion in revenue, 60% of which came from private users. Starlink’s revenue is expected to grow to $2025 billion in 12, with free cash flow reaching $2 billion. The company has already surpassed competitors Hughes and ViaSat in terms of customer base: by the beginning of 2024, its services were used by 4,6 million people, and by the end of the year, this figure could increase by another 3 million. In addition to private users, Starlink serves 75 sea vessels, 000 cruise ships, airlines and US government agencies.
Starlink's technical advantage over geostationary satellite networks is due to the presence of more than 7 satellites in low Earth orbit, which provides lower signal latency and higher data transfer rates. In the future, SpaceX plans to deploy third-generation satellites, as well as launch technology for direct connection of mobile devices without ground terminals.
Despite its financial success, the company faces political risks due to Musk’s active involvement in international affairs. Since the beginning of 2025, he has provoked four major political scandals: from an ambiguous gesture at the inauguration of the US president to criticism of British and German politicians and accusations against USAID. This has already led to financial consequences: the Canadian government has terminated a $100 million contract with Starlink, and some countries in Europe are reconsidering their attitude towards the company.
Despite this, analysts note that Starlink has become profitable and generates enough cash flow to finance SpaceX’s large-scale projects. “We now have evidence that the Starlink business is capable of paying for even such initiatives as the creation of a colony on Mars,” says Chris Quilty, CEO of Quilty Space. The company’s future will depend not only on technical breakthroughs, but also on the stability of the political environment in which it operates.
