On December 4, 2024, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone in space telecommunications by successfully completing the first Starlink satellite constellation designed to provide direct connectivity to mobile phones. This breakthrough opens the door to a new era of global connectivity, especially for the most remote areas of the planet.
SpaceX’s Starlink expands its network with a constellation of satellites
Liftoff of the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 20 Starlink satellites took place at 10:05 p.m. EST from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. After a successful flight, the satellites were deployed into low Earth orbit (LEO) 61 minutes after launch. Of these 20 satellites, 13 are equipped with direct-to-cell technology, an innovation that will allow millions of people to access the Internet using their mobile phones, even in places where there are no cellular signal towers.
With this new phase, SpaceX takes another step toward expanding its global satellite network, known as Starlink . This orbital satellite system aims to provide high-speed Internet access to underserved and rural areas that have so far lacked reliable options. The ability to offer direct connection to mobile phones substantially improves coverage, eliminating dead zones and ensuring that even users in remote regions can stay connected.
Starlink satellites can provide bandwidth of around 10 Mbps per beam , which is more than enough speed for many everyday applications. However, Elon Musk has mentioned that future versions of these satellites will be able to offer much higher speeds. Additionally, laser backhaul technology, which enables fast and efficient communication between satellites, plays a crucial role in reducing latency and improving network reliability.
The company has launched more than 80 Starlink missions in 2024 alone, and currently has more than 6,799 operational satellites in low orbit . The company’s goal is to create a massive constellation that will eventually reach up to 34,400 satellites, ensuring global coverage in every corner of the planet.
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Source and photos: Elon Musk via X
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