SpaceX has commenced its commercial Direct to Cell Starlink constellation with the launch of six spacecraft on the Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch, which took place on April 6, 2024, marked the second time this year that SpaceX has launched a batch of Starlink satellites supporting its Direct to Cell capability.

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at 7:25 p.m. PDT and successfully deployed the 21 total satellites, including the six Direct to Cell Starlink spacecraft. The first stage booster of the Falcon 9, with tail number B1081, completed its sixth launch, having previously supported the launches of various missions including NASA’s PACE spacecraft, Crew-7 astronauts, CRS-29, Transporter-10, and Starlink Group 6-34. After the launch, the booster landed on the SpaceX droneship, ‘Of Course I Still Love You,’ marking the 88th landing on OCISLY and the 293rd booster landing to date.

Following the launch, SpaceX conducted tests using the Direct to Cell service, which included sending text messages, making phone calls, and posting to social media. Jon Edwards, SpaceX Vice President of Falcon Launch Vehicles, confirmed that more DTC satellites are expected to be launched in the first half of the year, with plans to establish the first direct-to-cell constellation by the end of August.

SpaceX has ambitious goals for its DTC Starlink constellation, aiming to launch 7,500 DTC Starlinks, as stated in an email to the Federal Communications Commissions’ (FCC) Satellite Licensing Division by SpaceX director of satellite policy. Additionally, SpaceX officials are working towards sending 28 Starlinks to low Earth orbit in a single launch by the end of the year, with a previous launch of 24 satellites having taken place in February.

With the successful launch of the commercial Direct to Cell Starlink constellation, SpaceX has taken a significant step towards expanding its satellite network and providing enhanced connectivity services.