Starlink has rapidly emerged as the world's largest satellite constellation and the de facto reference system for low Earth orbit (LEO) networking research. Existing literature predominantly models Starlink as a static, symmetric, and fully deployed structure with uniformly distributed satellites. However, we reveal that Starlink's actual deployment, orbital configurations, and operational dynamics fundamentally deviate from these idealized assumptions. Leveraging satellite observation data spanning 2019 to 2025, we demonstrate that the constellation is highly dynamic across multiple temporal and spatial scales. Macroscopically, Starlink comprises multiple orbital shells undergoing continuous active deployment and reconfiguration. Microscopically, individual satellites exhibit high mobility, frequently executing collision-avoidance maneuvers, altitude adjustments, and intra-orbital relocations. We discover that while the majority of satellites form a relatively stable structure with near-uniform spacing, other satellites tend to cluster as twins or triads as in-orbit backups. Furthermore, empirical survival analysis indicates an operational lifespan of 4-6 years and an average daily failure probability of 0.0128%. Ultimately, our data-driven characterization exposes Starlink as a highly heterogeneous and continuously evolving network. We provide critical empirical insights that challenge prevailing simulation models, offering a more accurate foundation for future LEO topology design, routing protocols, and performance evaluations.

翻译：星链系统已迅速崛起为全球最大的卫星星座，并成为低地球轨道（LEO）网络研究的事实标准参照系统。现有文献主要将星链建模为静态、对称、完全部署且卫星均匀分布的结构。然而，我们揭示了星链的实际部署、轨道配置及运行动态从根本上偏离了这些理想假设。利用2019年至2025年的卫星观测数据，我们论证了该星座在多个时空尺度上呈现出高度动态性。宏观层面，星链包含多个正在持续主动部署与重构的轨道壳层。微观层面，单个卫星展现出高机动性，频繁执行碰撞规避机动、高度调整及轨道内重定位操作。我们发现，尽管多数卫星形成了近似均匀间距的相对稳定结构，但其他卫星作为在轨备份往往以双星或三星集群形式聚集。此外，实证生存分析表明其运行寿命为4-6年，日均失效概率为0.0128%。最终，基于数据的特征刻画揭示了星链是一个高度异质且持续演进的网络。我们提供了关键实证洞察，挑战了现有仿真模型，为未来LEO拓扑设计、路由协议及性能评估提供了更精确的基础。