Space

SpaceX makes history using Starlink’s ‘Direct-to-Cell’ satellites

  • SpaceX made its first-ever post on X using Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellites
  • These Satellites can let you connect to the internet and make calls using your phone from anywhere in the world
  • SpaceX plans to have a total of 21 direct-to-cell satellites in space

Published on Mar 11, 2024 at 6:25 PM (UTC+4)
by Siddharth Dudeja

Last updated on Mar 12, 2024 at 1:04 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Alessandro Renesis

SpaceX recently announced that it had sent its first post on Elon Musk’s social media platform X using its direct-to-cell satellites.

This technology allows direct connections to the internet on smartphones via satellites.

Likewise, SpaceX launched a total of six direct-to-cell satellites back in January, and more will follow.

spacex direct to cell satellite in space
SpaceX / X

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As Musk always does, he posted on X, but this time, it was sent through one of the Direct-to-Cell satellites instead.

Starlink, the entity behind these satellites, wants everyone to have seamless access to texts, voice calls, and the internet, no matter where they are.

By having a direct connection using these satellites, SpaceX wants to eliminate dead zones.

If you sometimes get no service at certain locations that have limited to no connectivity, that won’t be a problem when many more of these satellites are deployed.

Hence, the company plans to have a large fleet of 21 satellites in the foreseeable future.

So, when can you use it?

Elon Musk’s SpaceX aims to launch its Direct to Cell service for consumers later this year.

Also, we should point out that Starlink satellites are technically available to anyone.

All they have to do is buy the portable ‘router’ called Starlink Roam.

sapcex direct-to-cell satellite
SpaceX
direct-to-cell satellites
X / SpaceX

What’s special about these satellites is that there are no intermediaries or special equipment involved.

Essentially, it means that your phone and the satellite are the only two things required for connectivity.

To prove the direct-to-cell satellites’ capability, Ben Longmier, the Senior Director of Satellite Engineering at SpaceX, posted a picture of a tree cover in the Santa Cruz Mountains from where they used the new satellites to chat with each other on X.

SpaceX also wants to partner with wireless service providers like T-Mobile (USA), Rogers (Canada), Optus (Australia) to provide this service worldwide.

Things are looking for bright for SpaceX, especially since the company is now working with NASA to set up a base on the moon.

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Siddharth is a tech nerd with a secret love of all things cars. He has been writing for a few years now, and on his free time you would find him gaming when he's not procrastinating.