SpaceX has launched 13 Direct to Cell-enabled satellites that smartphones can connect to

SpaceX has successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites into orbit. This is the company's first such mission in the last 10 days, while the standard rate is one launch every 2.8 days on average.

Here's What We Know

The Falcon 9 rocket launched from the spaceport at the US Space Force Base Vandenberg, California. The launch was the 61st since the beginning of 2024. The first stage returned to Earth after 8.5 minutes and landed on the Of Course I Still Love You pad in the Pacific Ocean. It was the fifth flight for her.

There are already more than 6,000 Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit. This mission adds 20 more spacecraft. 13 of them will be able to directly connect to smartphones by supporting Direct to Cell technology.

Starlink satellites are located at an altitude of 550 kilometres. Earlier this year, SpaceX wanted permission to place spacecraft at altitudes of 340-360 kilometres. However, authorities did not grant the request of the company of Elon Musk, because the satellites would interfere with the International Space Station.

Source: SpaceX