SpaceX Aims to Connect Smartphones Directly to Starlink service

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Starlink will need to launch at least 10,000 satellites into low orbit space to offer full service worldwide. And to connect smartphones everywhere to the system.

Starlink wants to blanket the globe with a reliable high-speed Wi-Fi signal, that works for phones, inside vehicles, and even on planes. And the company aims to eventually create a 42,000-satellite constellation.

Starlink services growing 

Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX already has the approval to grow its space-based Starlink broadband constellation.  On December 1st the FCC approved SpaceX to launch 7,500 “Gen2” Starlink satellites in the next 8 years.

The first Starlink prototype satellites were launched into orbit in 2018.  For all practical purposes, the satellites are operational “flying routers.” 

To date, the Starlink service is only available in select regions. And it currently has an estimated half a million customers.  In September 2022, McMurdo Station in Antarctica became operational, and the satellite broadband service was turned on on seven continents.