On Saturday, April 6, 2024, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully carried out its 35th launch for the Starlink 8-1 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This launch saw the deployment of 21 Starlink satellites, including 6 Direct-to-Cell satellites, marking a pivotal step in the company’s ambition to launch global Direct-to-Cell and Internet-of-Things service.
Key Highlights:
Direct-to-Cell Advancements : With the addition of 6 Direct-to-Cell satellites in this launch, the total number in orbit has reached 12. These satellites are part of Starlink’s ambitious plan to scale its Direct to Cell network rapidly. The initiative aims to launch hundreds of satellites to provide text service by 2024 and expand to voice, data, and Internet of Things (IoT) services by 2025.
Technical Innovations: Starlink’s Direct to Cell satellites are equipped with custom silicon, large advanced phased array antennas, and sophisticated software algorithms. These innovations allow the satellites to communicate with standard cell phones on Earth, overcoming significant technical and regulatory challenges.
Global Partnerships and Regulatory Milestones: Starlink has formed partnerships with several global operators, including T-Mobile, Rogers, and Optus, providing critical LTE spectrum for satellite communication. These collaborations, coupled with rapid regulatory approvals, aim to deliver seamless and lifesaving communication services worldwide.
Future Plans: Leveraging SpaceX’s vertical integration and the upcoming Starship launches, Starlink plans to further improve its Direct to Cell service. The company’s advanced LTE modems enable the satellites to function as cell towers in space, ensuring reliable and seamless communication.
Launch Success: The Falcon 9 rocket’s 35th mission from Space Launch Complex 4E included the sixth flight of its booster, which has previously supported various missions, including Crew-7 and CRS-29. The successful landing on the drone ship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean underscores SpaceX’s commitment to reusability.
- On January 8, the Starlink successfully sent and received the first text messages using T -Mobile network spectrum through one of its new Direct to Cell satellites launched six days prior.
- In August 2022, Starlink announced its first partnership with T-Mobile, and have since announced deals with Rogers in Canada, Optus in Australia, One New Zealand, KDDI in Japan, Salt in Switzerland, and Entel in Chile & Peru. The operators provide critical LTE spectrum in the 1.6-2.7 GHz range that we use to transmit our satellite signals. This allows Starlink to integrate like a standard roaming partner with operators. Starlink says operators in its network have access to reciprocal global access that allows their users to access the service when they travel to one of partner countries.