Starlink Group 7-9 launch out of SLC-4E in California currently scheduled for 2024-01-03 02:31 UTC, or 2024-01-02 18:31 local time (PST). Booster 1082-1 (new booster!) to land on Of Course I Still Love You.
This launch will include the first Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capabilities.
Webcasts:
- Spaceflight Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WGTDdOVJy0
- NASASpaceflight:
- The Launch Pad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLs2CwcYbGE
- Space Affairs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqby0Qq10Gg
- SpaceX: https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1742387397059555608#m
- The Space Devs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As8PfQqGoYM
Pretty hype. I think the direct-to-cell stuff is super cool for emergencies.
I hope people read up on its limitations before thinking this is Starlink for cellphones.