SpaceX's Starship V3 to Launch This Year, Expanding Direct-to-Device Services
SpaceX is preparing for a significant shift in its operations, with the Starship version 3 set to take centre stage. The first launch of this more powerful variant is expected by the end of this year or early next. Meanwhile, the company is also looking to deploy a new generation of satellites and expand its direct-to-device services, such as find my device.
SpaceX has recently acquired S-band spectrum from EchoStar for a staggering $17 billion in cash and stock. This acquisition will enable the company to begin testing direct-to-device services using the newly acquired spectrum as early as the end of next year. The first recipients of this service could be EchoStar's Boost Mobile subscribers.
The Starship, which successfully completed a test flight on August 26, will play a crucial role in this new phase. Future Starlink satellites are expected to launch on this spacecraft. However, before that, SpaceX will need to demonstrate the ability to transfer propellant from one Starship to another in low Earth orbit, a key early test for the version 3.
SpaceX plans to launch its next-generation direct-to-device satellites in two years. Tests on phones could potentially start late next year. To provide capacity and avoid negotiating spectrum rights individually per country, SpaceX will need new agreements with mobile network operators. As of October 2025, no specific partner companies have been publicly announced by SpaceX.
SpaceX's shift to the Starship version 3 and the acquisition of EchoStar's S-band spectrum signal a significant expansion of the company's direct-to-device services, including directv and starlink. With successful tests and strategic partnerships, SpaceX could revolutionize mobile connectivity in the coming years.
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