Starlink Direct to Cell satellite sends first message

SpaceX recently shared a message on X using its Direct to Cell satellite. The company said, “This post was sent through a SpaceX Direct to Cell satellite in space.” Elon Musk said on his social media platform that DTC is a “great solution for locations with no cellular connectivity.” However, it cannot compete against conventional cellular networks.

It may not replace your existing telecommunications provider, but it can become an important emergency tool. For example, you might get stranded while camping or stuck in a flood. You are unlikely to have reliable cell service in those situations, so having a satellite connection could help. Soon, Starlink could be one of those lifesavers.

What do we know about the Direct to Cell service?

Space.com said the Direct to Cell service used one of Starlink satellites launched on January 8 this year. Later, SpaceX sent its first social media post using this service.

Then, CEO Elon Musk retweeted the message with the caption, “This post was made from a normal mobile phone straight to a SpaceX satellite, with no special equipment in between!”

Ben Longmier, the senior director of satellite engineering at SpaceX, posted another X message celebrating this successful Starlink Direct to Cell trial:

“The SpaceX team just completed the first post on X from a phone to one of our Direct to Cell satellites!”

“This was the tree cover in a small valley in the Santa Cruz Mountains earlier in the day when we were exchanging some DMs on X.”

READ: How to rent Starlink kits

Interesting Engineering said Longmier pointed out the canopy because linking to satellites can be difficult with tree cover. Trees can obstruct a satellite and a receiving device, causing signal interference.

The tech website likewise shared other issues, such as rapid satellite movement, timing delays, and Doppler shift. Also, there’s the difficulty of connecting phones to distant satellites due to low antenna gain and transmit power.

Nevertheless, SpaceX said Starlink satellites have phased array antennas, custom silicon, and advanced software algorithms that can overcome these challenges.