SpaceX continues to break new ground in satellite communications. In May 2025, the company launched a record 17 rockets, including 15 dedicated to its growing Starlink network. These missions placed a total of 372 broadband satellites and 26 Direct-to-Cell satellites into orbit.
According to official figures, SpaceX has now launched over 8,000 Starlink satellites, with more than 7,000 currently active and operational. This expanding constellation supports high-speed internet services across the globe—and now, with Direct-to-Cell technology, even mobile connectivity is getting a boost.
The Direct-to-Cell satellites are a key part of SpaceX’s mission to eliminate coverage gaps in remote and rural areas. Acting as “cell towers in space,” these satellites enable users to send texts, make calls, and access the internet directly from their existing smartphones—no new hardware or signal boosters required.
The achievement marks a significant leap forward for global mobile connectivity. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk celebrated the record-breaking launch month, highlighting the company’s accelerating progress in reshaping how the world connects.