SpaceX’s First X Post via Regular Phone and Starlink

SpaceX and T-Mobile launched Direct to Cell Starlink satellites in January, aiming for universal coverage. This collaboration began with the Coverage Above and Beyond initiative in August 2022, aiming to provide phone connectivity everywhere by enabling LTE/5G communication through satellites in low-Earth orbit.

Successful Deployment and Testing of Starlink Satellites

At the start of January, the initial six Starlink satellites from the partnership were deployed via a Falcon 9 rocket. Just six days later, the SpaceX team successfully transmitted and received the first text messages using unaltered phones on the ground, validating the functionality of the system.

The Direct to Cell satellites boast custom silicon and large phased arrays with highly sensitive radio receivers and powerful transmitters. These components are engineered specifically to communicate with standard handsets, which do not have the required transmit power to establish direct connections with satellites. According to SpaceX, these satellites integrate into the existing Starlink constellation via laser backhaul, enabling them to offer services anywhere with regulatory approvals without needing dedicated ground infrastructure.

SpaceX plans to launch hundreds more Direct to Cell satellites in 2024 to expand coverage and activate its text constellation, followed by voice, data, and Internet of Things services. Yet, the team took the lead by posting on Elon Musk’s social media platform X, confirming, “We sent this post through a SpaceX Direct to Cell satellite in Space.”

Ben Longmier’s Insights and Updates on Direct to Cell Progress

Ben Longmier, from the project, subsequently shared a photo of “foliage covering a small valley in the Santa Cruz Mountains from earlier in the day when we were exchanging some DMs on X.” He also responded to Musk, affirming the progress made by the Direct to Cell team and noting that the satellites “have the strongest cell signal at my house, just 15 miles outside the heart of Silicon Valley.“

The company has not yet disclosed pricing details for these services, which will be crucial for many potential users. However, envision not having to aimlessly roam with your arm raised in the wilderness to find a strong signal to call for help or update your social media. Remote communities would no longer suffer from poor connectivity, and this technology also holds promise for maintaining essential communication in disaster-stricken areas.

The project plans to regularly launch more Direct to Cell satellites aboard Falcon 9 rockets as it advances toward the official launch of the text service later this year. Voice, data, and IoT services are set to follow from 2025. The company has also outlined plans to transition satellite deployment to its Starship once ready, aiming to enhance the service further and increase launch frequency.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

Read more: COVID-19 Provokes Liquid Oxygen Shortages Delaying Space X Launch Plans