SpaceX reached a major milestone on December 4, 2024, with the successful launch of 20 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This deployment completes the first direct-to-cell phone constellation, enabling unmodified cellphones to access internet connectivity in remote areas. While the initial bandwidth per beam is limited to ~10Mb, future Starlink constellations are expected to offer greater capabilities. The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage also returned to Earth after a flawless landing on the droneship "Of Course I Still Love You." With this achievement, SpaceX now has 6,799 operational Starlink satellites, including 330 direct-to-cell capable ones.

Image credit: SpaceX