Elon Musk's SpaceX launches "direct to cell phones" Starlink satellites

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's SpaceX has kicked off 2024 by undertaking yet another endeavour. Aboard the Falcon 9 spacecraft, the first batch of Starlink internet satellites took to the skies on Tuesday, January 2, at 10:44 p.m. EST.

According to Hindustan Times, these Starlink satellites promise direct-to-cell capabilities, meaning that you could potentially get satellite broadband directly on your smartphone. In theory, this could eliminate the problems caused by geographical features in providing internet facilities.

The launch featured 21 Starlink satellites lift-off to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It also included the first six Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities.

Announcing the launch, the official Starlink website stated, “This launch will include the first six Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities that will enable mobile network operators around the world to provide seamless global access to texting, calling, and browsing wherever you may be on land, lakes, or coastal waters” In effect, it means all those smartphone users who are using this Starlink service will get mobile phone connectivity no matter where they may be.