Starlink's first constellation of direct-to-phone satellites is now in orbit
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. - SpaceX has launched 20 of its Starlink satellites up into Earth's orbit, enabling direct-to-cellphone connectivity for subscribers anywhere on the planet. That completes the constellation's first orbital shell, following a launch of an initial batch of six satellites for testing back in January, Abhimanyu Ghoshal writes for New Atlas. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
9 December 2024 - SpaceX launched new Starlink satellites on 5 December from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base, aiming to provide internet connectivity directly to standard cellphones in remote areas. CEO Elon Musk highlighted that the initial system offers around 10 Mbps per beam, an improvement over early tests but still limited compared to terrestrial networks. Future constellations are expected to enhance capability significantly.
What sets this service apart is its compatibility with standard LTE/4G protocols, eliminating the need for specialized devices or apps. Partnering with mobile operators like T-Mobile and Rogers, Starlink enables seamless global connectivity with satellites operating at 340 miles above Earth.
The satellites are equipped with LTE modems and integrate into Starlink’s existing network of 6,799 spacecraft. They use laser backhaul systems to communicate, leveraging high-speed optical transmissions for faster, more secure data transfer and expanded bandwidth. SpaceX has also optimized latency, altitude, and elevation angles to ensure reliable performance.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
