SpaceX launched 21 Starlink satellites, including six "direct-to-cell" satellites that can be used to access internet directly using smartphones!
Science and Technology
Essentially the Direct-to-Cell Starlink satellites have advanced modems that act as cellphone towers in space. This could potentially be used to eliminate cell phone service deadzones on the ground. Similar to how network providers work with other network providers in different countries to offer global roaming services to their customers, they would soon be able to partner with Starlink to offer this Direct to Cell service to their customers.
SpaceX launched 21 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from the Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenber Space Force Base in California.
The launch carried the first six Starlink satellites with “Direct to Cell” capabilities that will allow users to directly connect their cell phones to mobile networks without a Starlink terminal.
Founders: Elon Musk, Tom Mueller
Headquarters: Hawthorne, California, United States
____________________________
