SpaceX successfully launched the Starlink 12-4 mission from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida this morning. This mission adds 21 new Starlink satellites to the company’s ever growing internet constellation. 13 of those satellites launched to low earth orbit today have Direct to Cell capabilities.
Starlink Direct to Cell enables connectivity in remote regions and provides access to texting, calling, and browsing on land, lakes, or coastal waters. Starlink Direct to Cell works with existing LTE phones and requires no changes to hardware, firmware, or special apps. In the US, T-Mobile will be the first carrier to offer the service.
Booster B1080 completed its 15th flight and recovery, landing on SpaceX’s A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Thus far, SpaceX has launched nearly 7,000 Starlink satellites, with the possibility of over 12,000.
SpaceX’s next mission from Florida is the Blue Ghost Lunar Lander, currently targeting an early Wednesday morning liftoff from LC-39a at the Kennedy Space Center.
