SpaceX, the pioneering space transport company, is racing against time with a goal to complete a staggering 100 launches by the end of the current year. Bill Gerstenmaier, a top executive at the company, shared this ambition at a recent hearing with the US Senate Subcommittee on Space and Science.
Elevating Mission Numbers for Satellite Expansion
The company’s ambitions don’t stop there. By 2024, SpaceX aims to execute approximately 12 rocket launches each month, accumulating to an impressive total of 144 missions in the year. This escalation in mission numbers is largely driven by SpaceX’s intention to amplify its satellite-to-cell phone service coverage.
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“For the service to effectively cater to our 2 million users, it’s essential for us to renew our satellite constellation,” expressed the company representative. He further revealed plans for next year, stating, “SpaceX’s vision is to bridge direct cell communications through Starlink, a pivotal feature that will be introduced with those 144 missions.”
Revolutionizing Cellular Communication
Announced in collaboration with T-Mobile in 2022, the innovative service will empower conventional smartphones to directly connect with satellites. Drawing a comparison to the new service, T-Mobile’s CEO Mike Sievert described it as the equivalent of “positioning a cellular tower in the stratosphere.” This groundbreaking technology holds the promise of eradicating communication dead zones, facilitating seamless connectivity even in remote locations like the middle of an ocean.
Testing Times and the Road Ahead
SpaceX, with its long-term vision, has been actively preparing to test this novel service. However, there are challenges. To offer both voice and data services, larger satellites launched via SpaceX’s Starship vehicle are required. This behemoth rocket remains non-operational. Therefore, SpaceX devised an intermediate-sized Starlink satellite suitable for the Falcon 9 rockets, bridging the size gap. Although the roll-out for full-fledged Starlink voice and data is planned for 2025, 2024 will witness the introduction of its direct-to-cell texting-only capability.
