Posted: Sat, Jan 6, 2024, 6:02 PM ET (2302 GMT)
SpaceX launched its first set of Starlink satellites with direct-to-device capabilities Tuesday night. A Falcon 9 lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 10:44 pm EST (0344 GMT Wednesday) and deployed 21 Starlink satellites into orbit. Six of those satellites are equipped with payloads to provide 4G LTE connectivity to mobile devices. SpaceX plans to start enabling texting from space this year in partnership with cellular operators, with voice and data connectivity coming in 2025, although the company still needs regulatory permission to provide the services commercially.

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