AT&T formalizes deal for space-based cellular service on unmodified mobiles

Not to be outdone by Starlink and T-Mobile, AT&T and AST SpaceMobile have finalized a deal to eventually bring a space-based connectivity option to AT&T, too.  AT&T said the definitive commercial agreement between the pair means AST will provide a space-based broadband network for unmodified cell phones until 2030, though it's …

[Pascal Monett]

So, 64 square meters at 500km

Looks like most of that is solar panels. The number of articles explaining why astronomers are unhappy is impressive.

And they want to chuck 60+ more up there.

BlueWalker wiki here

Space.com complains

Nature is unhappy as well

[Phil O'Sophical]

Re: So, 64 square meters at 500km

So, how long until a "space Banksy" shows up and graffitis them?

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: So, 64 square meters at 500km

Or space force fires at it thinking it’s the side of a Borg cube.

[Martin an gof]

Re: So, 64 square meters at 500km

Looks like most of that is solar panels

Looks to me as if most of that is antennae - especially if you click on the picture in the article.

And what's the blurred-out bit in the middle?

M.

[Anonymous Coward]

Phased array

Yep, it looks like a 48 by 48 minus a few gaps phased array.

A phased array is used to direct the beam without using moving parts. Think of it as MIMO on steroids. A more precise explanation can be found on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phased_array

So that phased array can dynamically target its beam on a X and Y position on Earth, even while the satellite moves quickly through space. And it can target multiple "spots" at different locations simultaneously. With it, it both sends a far higher percentage of its output power to the spots of active users and listens far more focused to the users send cell phone signal then any normal satellite dish could. To get a phased array of 48 by 48 minus in space and working would be a great technical feat. It roughly requires 2000 different high frequency senders and receivers to operate in very tight timings towards each other and plenty and plenty of computing power to direct and target the beams.

[Natalie Gritpants Jr]

Re: So, 64 square meters at 500km

It probably is, the antennas are on the underside, so no-one can figure out the configuration and number of channels they can support. I worked on a tiny part of one of the ASICs for that <insert Top Gun quote>

[Anonymous Coward]

Technically Curious

https://www.starlink.com/gb/business/direct-to-cell

https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-satellites.html#:~:text=Starlink%20satellites%20are%20easier%20to,342%20miles%20(550%20km).

As per the diagram, I’m still curious how *unmodified* LTE Phones will fare connecting to a Satellite - which are from what I can see are 342 miles high. Esp. As for normal Internet access this - that I would expect doesn’t move - you get a Staflink terminal/base station with clear line of sight.

Notes Starlink DTC currently Text only. ‘Voice/Data coming in 2025’.

Good luck to them… it almost seems too good to be true….

[Doctor Syntax]

Re: Technically Curious

It'll do away with all those base stations next to schools frying the children's brains. All the kids have to do is put a mobile transmitting at full power next to their ear.

[Martin an gof]

Re: Technically Curious

next to their ear

Duh! Get where it's at, dood. Have you not seen today's yoof using phones?

On the rare occasions they actually talk into them, they hold them horizontally in front of their faces to talk at the USB connector, and horizontally next to their ears to listen, often on speaker rather than in "normal phone" mode.

Kids of today, eh?

M.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: Technically Curious

Ah yes, the apprentice generation.

[Natalie Gritpants Jr]

Re: Technically Curious

School roofs are the best place for moby masts, it means the kiddies phones turn their transmit power down.