X Report 31 Jan 2025

🚀 Latest Developments

SpaceX’s Starlink service is beta-testing connectivity with iPhones, impacting direct-to-smartphone satellite stocks. Meanwhile, a Starlink satellite plummets as a fiery spectacle over the Midwest, capturing public fascination. Additionally, AscendArc’s stealth emergence indicates new competition in the satellite arena.

📰 Detailed Coverage

iPhone Starlink Compatibility Shakes Telecom Stocks

Shares in direct-to-smartphone satellite companies took a nosedive on January 29 when Apple announced iPhones with a T-Mobile plan could join SpaceX’s rival service beta tests. This development underlines the potential disruption SpaceX’s Starlink integration with smartphones might cause in the telecom industry.

Starlink’s new functionality represents a major leap towards seamless global communications, challenging existing satellite providers by pushing the boundaries of mobile connectivity.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

AscendArc Emerges in Small GEO Market

Portland’s AscendArc, led by an ex-SpaceX principal engineer, raised $4 million to enter the competitive small geostationary satellite market. Announced on January 29, AscendArc aims to capitalize on the growing demand for more compact GEO satellites and bolster their niche in the industry.

The strategic positioning highlights an uptick in innovation driven by former SpaceX talent, potentially spurring new trends and collaborations within the satellite sector.

Read the full story: SpaceNews

Starlink Satellite’s Celestial Descent

In an astronomical spectacle, a retiring Starlink satellite created a stunning fireball over the Midwest U.S. on its atmospheric re-entry. This cosmic event, captured in several videos, demonstrates the dramatic end-of-life scenario for these satellites.

The fireball garners renewed interest in satellite tracking and disposal processes as the skies become busier with artificial constellations.

Read the full story: Space.com

📊 Starlink Status

Total Launched: 7821
Total On Orbit: 6994
Total Working: 6957

Track Starlink satellites in real-time on our web app: Track Starlink

B1049

B1049 is a retired Falcon 9 first stage booster who completed 10 successful orbital missions between 2018-2022. Known for exceptional fuel efficiency (4.72% above fleet average), B1049 has landed on both drone ships and landing zones, achieving a perfect touchdown record despite COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE weather predictions.