Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched its first six satellites capable of offering mobile phone service as the company races to bring more connectivity to remote areas.
The first satellites capable of providing direct-to-cellular service via SpaceX’s Starlink network and T-Mobile’s cellular network have been sent into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Six of the cell-capable satellites were among a batch of 21 Starlink satellites launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 7:44 p.m. PT Tuesday. The satellites were deployed successfully, and the rocket’s first-stage booster made a routine landing on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean.
While we recover from New Year festivities, SpaceX is already checking off things on its 2024 list. SpaceX recently shared photos on X stating that six Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capability will be launched into orbit soon.
“SpaceX is leveraging its experience in manufacturing [and] launching the world’s most advanced rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink satellites with the Direct to Cell capability at scale,” notes SpaceX.
“Direct to Cell satellites will initially be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and then Starship. On orbit, the satellites will immediately connect over laser backhaul to the Starlink constellation to provide global connectivity.”
The launch was delayed twice this month due to weather and technical issues.
SpaceX did not show any footage of the X-37B separating from the rocket’s second stage, as the mission was shrouded in secrecy. The X-37B, which looks like a miniature version of the space shuttle, is an autonomous reusable vehicle that can stay in orbit for years, performing various experiments and maneuvers. It is operated by the Air Force in partnership with the Space Force and built by Boeing. There are two X-37B spacecraft in the fleet, and they have flown six missions since 2010.
Standing by for launch of USSF-52 and the X-37B mission this evening using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket at Kennedy Space Center! #SpaceSystemsCommand #USSF #PartnersInSpace pic.twitter.com/eraa6dwqix — Space Systems Command (@USSF_SSC) December 28, 2023
Continue reading “SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy sends the secret X-37B to orbit for seventh flight” »
The specifics of the funding round are yet to be finalized.
In the early stages of this process, discussions have taken place with potential investors, as per a report by Bloomberg. However, specific details such as the terms, valuation, and timing of the funding round are still being worked out and may undergo changes.
OpenAI in talks to raise fresh funding
Continue reading “OpenAI eyes to be $100 billion firm, tailing Elon Musk’s SpaceX closely” »
Elon Musk’s space exploration company is looking to sell shares that implies a valuation that’s $25 billion higher than the last funding round, Bloomberg reported.
This week at Starbase Booster 10 joins Ship 28 at the launch site to begin its testing on the orbital launch mount, Ship 28 performs a static fire test, and SpaceX shows off its holiday spirit, while over at Cape Canaveral, Starlink launch and recovery operations continue as several tanks and a prefabricated tower section are shipped out to Brownsville.\
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The company launched 23 of its Starlink internet satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket that had flown 18 times before, breaking its own record for the most flights by a single booster.
SpaceX has achieved a new milestone in its quest to reuse rockets and reduce the cost of spaceflight. The company launched 23 Starlink internet satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket that had flown 18 times before, breaking its record for the most flights by a single booster.
Continue reading “SpaceX makes history with a 19th reuse of a Falcon 9 rocket” »
