SpaceX Successfully Deploys 21 Starlink Satellites into Orbit.
Science and Technology
On February 11, 2025, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched a new batch of 21 Starlink satellites into Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States of America (USA), marking another milestone in the expansion of its satellite internet constellation.
- This marks SpaceX's 19th Falcon 9 mission of 2025, with 13 of those missions dedicated to deploying Starlink payloads.
- With this launch, there are 6,994 Starlink satellites in orbit, with 6,957 of them fully operational.
- Direct-to-cell is a satellite communication system that allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites in orbit, eliminating the need for traditional cell towers in remote or underserved areas.
Main Point :- (i) The system uses an eNodeB (evolved Node B) modem, which functions like a cell tower in space, enabling communication with LTE phones and IoT devices.
(ii) Starlink, developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, is the world's first and largest satellite constellation in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), providing affordable internet access to remote and underserved locations.
(iii) The V2 Starlink satellites weigh approximately 1,760 lbs (800 kg) at launch, nearly three times heavier than the previous generation satellites, which weighed 573 lbs (260 kg).
About SpaceX
CEO : Elon Musk
Headquarters : California
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