SpaceX

On January 2, 2024, we launched to orbit our first six Starlink satellites with Direct to Cell capabilities. Launch and early tests of the technology were all completed without issue. On Monday, January 8, less than 6 days after launch, we sent and received our first text messages to and from unmodified cell phones on the ground to our new satellites in space using TMobile network spectrum. This validates that our link budget closes, and the system works!

I'm excited for this service as it'll be the most tangible rollout of new technology enabled by SpaceX's rapid launch approach to satellite mega-constellations to most people.