Anyone know the total number of satellites currently in space? The numbers I see cite @planet4589 but haven't seen him post any updates here recently, and not sure where to look for any authoritative count. Was just trying to quantify this in an intelligence way for my students. (random craptastic, non-attributed Internet search says 9,450-ish Starlinks, plus 2,500 odd other things in the sky... but since no attribution, no idea if it's hallucinated or not).
(Update: 9,634 Starlinks per @sundogplanets , at least today on 2/3/2026)

Update to the update: Jonathan McDowell has this stats page, perfect!

https://planet4589.org/space/stats/

#space #satellites

Jonathan's Space Report | Space Statistics

Jonathan McDowell's new homepage

@ai6yr plans for one million satellites just filed with US FCC:

https://spacenews.com/spacex-files-plans-for-million-satellite-orbital-data-center-constellation/

SpaceX orbital data centers, supposedly.

That, and as fodder for live-testing Kessler’s scenario, and live-testing metals in the upper atmosphere, and probably for occasionally plonking unlucky Terrans and terrain.

SpaceX files plans for million-satellite orbital data center constellation

SpaceX is seeking FCC approval for a satellite constellation of unprecedented scale intended to function as an orbital data center.

SpaceNews