All posts tagged: direct-to-cell

SpaceX Successfully Launches 23 Starlink Satellites on Brand-New Falcon 9 Rocket

SpaceX Successfully Launches 23 Starlink Satellites on Brand-New Falcon 9 Rocket

Published by Webster

SpaceX marked its 60th Falcon 9 flight of 2025 by successfully launching a brand-new Falcon 9 booster rocket on the 20th of May. This rocket carries 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit. Among those, 13 feature Direct to Cell capabilities. Originally, it was targeting 11:58 p.m. EDT on May 19 (0358 UTC on May 20) for the launch, but that try was aborted just before liftoff, for reasons that the company did not immediately explain. It was finally launched on Tuesday (May 20) at 11:19 p.m. EDT (0319 GMT on May 21) from the Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. About the launch According to SpaceX’s mission overview, this was the first-ever launch for this particular Falcon 9’s (booster B1095) first stage. While most recent SpaceX missions have reused Falcon 9 boosters , a signature part of the company’s cost-saving and sustainability strategy ,Tuesday’s flight featured a rare first-stage debut. The rocket successfully completed its initial mission, separating from the upper stage around two and a …

SpaceX Completes Starlink Direct-to-Cell Constellation with New Satellite Launch

SpaceX Completes Starlink Direct-to-Cell Constellation with New Satellite Launch

Published by Webster

SpaceX has announced the successful completion of its first Starlink satellite constellation designed to provide direct internet connectivity to standard mobile phones. According to reports, the achievement was marked by the launch of 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities. The launch occurred on December 4, 2024, at 10:05 PM EST from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This development aims to address connectivity challenges in underserved and remote areas by eliminating the need for specialised equipment. New Era in Direct-to-Cell Connectivity Of the 20 satellites launched, 13 are equipped with direct-to-cell connectivity capabilities, as stated by SpaceX founder Elon Musk in a post on X (formerly Twitter) early Thursday morning. Musk confirmed that the deployment of these satellites completes the first shell of Starlink’s direct-to-cell network. He added that this system will allow unmodified mobile phones to access internet services in remote regions. Direct-to-Cell Technology and Launch Details The satellites launched aboard the Falcon 9 rocket are intended to enhance the existing Starlink network. Reports suggest that these satellites use laser backhaul …

SpaceX to Launch 20 Starlink Satellites from California on November 9

SpaceX to Launch 20 Starlink Satellites from California on November 9

Published by Webster

SpaceX is set to launch another 20 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on November 9. The launch, scheduled for 1:16 a.m. Eastern Time, involves a Falcon 9 rocket which will carry these satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO), where they will join the ever-growing Starlink network. It is reported that out of 20 satellites, 13 of these are expected to be equipped with direct-to-cell technology, a feature designed to enhance connectivity capabilities for mobile users on the ground. The launch window will remain open for four hours, providing a margin for adjustments if necessary. SpaceX plans to stream the event live on its X platform, starting around five minutes before liftoff. Landing Planned for Reusable Falcon 9 Booster As per the official information available from SpaceX, if all goes as planned, the Falcon 9’s first stage will perform a controlled descent, landing on SpaceX’s droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” positioned in the Pacific Ocean. This will be the 11th flight for this particular booster, highlighting SpaceX’s ongoing efforts in cost-saving …