SpaceX has transmitted data from a regular phone via Starlink satellites for the first time. Ben Longmier, an employee of the Direct to Cell project, reported this on the social network X. He published a photo of a piece of forest in the vicinity of Santa Cruz and signed that this data transfer was carried out for the first time through Starlink satellites.
The test was successful.
Since 2022, SpaceX, owned by American businessman Elon Musk, has been working together with the American provider T-Mobile on the “Coverage Above and Beyond” initiative. It provides for the creation of wireless communications without the use of towers with repeaters. Their functions will be taken over by special “Direct to Cell” satellites, which will become an intermediate link between mobile devices on earth and Starlink satellites.
The goal is to leave simple phones without satellite communication modules in the hands of users. Thus, gadgets will consume less energy, which is very important for remote areas and disaster zones. Direct to Cell satellites have extremely powerful and sensitive equipment to create a communication link to phones. The first six satellites of the Direct to Cell constellation were launched in January.
By the end of this year their number will increase to hundreds. The launches will be carried out as preparations are made for the launches of Falcon 9 rockets.
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