SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, has announced its plans to significantly increase its rocket launches in the coming years.
According to company executive Bill Gerstenmaier, SpaceX aims to fly 100 missions by the end of this year and has an even more ambitious goal of launching around 12 flights per month in 2024, totaling 144 missions for the year.
One of the main reasons for this increased launch frequency is to support SpaceX’s satellite-to-cell phone service, known as Starlink. The company currently has 2 million users and needs to refresh its satellite constellation to provide better service.
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With the planned increase in launches, SpaceX will be able to roll out its satellite-to-cell phone service, allowing normal smartphones to connect with its satellites.
SpaceX first announced its satellite-to-cell phone service in 2022, alongside a partnership with T-Mobile. The technology is expected to eliminate dead zones and provide reliable connectivity even in remote areas.
T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert described it as putting a cellular tower in the sky, enabling people to easily communicate with loved ones, even in the middle of the ocean.
Jonathan Hofeller, SpaceX’s VP of Starlink enterprise sales, confirmed earlier this year that the company is preparing to start testing the service. However, the full capabilities of voice and data services will not be available until 2025.
In the meantime, SpaceX plans to introduce its direct-to-cell capability with texting coverage in 2024. To support these services, SpaceX is developing larger satellites that will launch onboard its Starship vehicle.
However, since the Starship is not yet operational, the company has designed an intermediate-sized Starlink satellite that can be launched using its Falcon 9 rockets. These satellites are larger than previous models but smaller than the ones required for full voice and data services.
SpaceX’s ambitious plans for Starlink’s satellite-to-cell service are set to revolutionize connectivity and provide reliable communication options for people around the world.
With increased launch frequency and the deployment of advanced satellite technology, SpaceX is paving the way for a future where everyone can stay connected, no matter where they are.
