In 2023, SpaceX will launch a satellite-to-cell + satellite service that will be available to ordinary smartphones. But it’s still in test mode.
What is known
Elon Musk’s company will cooperate with the mobile operator T-Mobile. This is reported by CNBC, citing SpaceX Vice President Jonathan Hofeller.
Equipment for direct connection of smartphones to satellites is installed on Starlink V2 spacecraft. The company has already launched several second-generation satellites into orbit using the Falcon 9 rocket, but this is not profitable. Therefore, SpaceX will wait until regulators allow the use of a Starship spacecraft with a Super Heavy rocket.
Until then, the company will launch Starlink V2 Mini satellites into orbit. They are equipped with more powerful antennas than the first-generation vehicles, which number about 4,000 in orbit.
Jonathan Hoefeller also noted that Starlink already has over 1 million active users. This milestone was reached in December 2022. At the end of last year, the service had a positive balance, and in 2023 it will start making money.
Source: CNBC
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