SpaceX Successfully Launches 20 Starlink Satellites with Direct-to-Cell Capability from California

As planned, the Falcon 9’s first stage separated shortly after launch and performed a controlled descent back to Earth, successfully landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You," stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This marked the 11th flight and landing for this particular Falcon 9 booster, showcasing the reusability of SpaceX’s rockets, a key component of the company’s mission to reduce launch costs and increase launch frequency.

While the first stage returned to Earth, the Falcon 9’s upper stage continued its journey to low Earth orbit (LEO) to deploy the 20 Starlink satellites. The deployment was completed about 60 minutes after liftoff, bringing the total number of active Starlink satellites to around 6,500, according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.

The inclusion of direct-to-cell technology in the new Starlink satellites marks a significant step forward for SpaceX. This new feature is designed to enable Starlink satellites to connect directly to standard cell phones on Earth, expanding the potential reach of SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service. Direct-to-cell capability could allow people in remote or underserved areas to access reliable internet service, potentially without the need for additional ground-based infrastructure.

This latest launch is part of SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to expand its Starlink constellation. In 2024 alone, the company has launched more than 100 Falcon 9 missions, approximately two-thirds of which have focused on building out the Starlink network. This rapid deployment pace has made Starlink one of the world’s largest satellite constellations, providing internet service across much of the planet.

The Starlink project, which began in 2019, is aimed at providing high-speed, low-latency internet coverage worldwide, especially in remote and rural areas. Starlink currently serves customers in over 60 countries, with plans for further global expansion as more satellites are added to the constellation.

With ongoing launches and advancements in satellite technology, SpaceX is continuing to push the boundaries of satellite internet and connectivity. The success of this recent mission not only reinforces the effectiveness of SpaceX’s reusable rocket system but also advances its vision for a global, space-based communications network.

launched 20 Starlink internet satellites from California early Saturday morning (Nov. 9). A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Starlink spacecraft — 13 of which had direct-to-cell capability — lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 1:14 a.m. EST (0514 GMT; 10:14 p.m. Nov. 8 local time).

According to plan, the Falcon 9's first stage came back to Earth for a vertical touchdown on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You," which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean. It was the 11th launch and landing for this particular booster, according to a SpaceX mission description. The Falcon 9's upper stage, meanwhile, continued its trek to low Earth orbit (LEO), to deploy the 20 Starlink satellites about 60 minutes after liftoff. SpaceX has already launched more than 100 Falcon 9 missions in 2024, about two-thirds of which have been dedicated to building out the Starlink network. The huge and ever-growing constellation currently consists of about 6,500 active spacecraft, according to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell.

By Azhar