SpaceX Launches Startup's First 'Cell Tower in Space'

Next year, the company plans to have 64 satellites in orbit, then 256 satellites in 2025.

That’ll be enough to enable text message conversations, the company said.

Sateliot is not alone in its ambition to use data links that hop across the heavens.

Your phone will simply connect to its satellites through carrier partnerships.

Although the company’s longer-term plan is to help consumers, that’s not where it’s starting.

It’s signed three deals worth a total of about $1.1 billion to enable such services.

With the small initial constellation, Sateliot can guarantee a satellite connection once a day.

That means batteries will last years.

Next year’s satellites will be double the thickness, with a 12U design.

Thanks to electronics miniaturization, though, these small systems can be powerful.

“People want to have messaging everywhere,” Sanpera said.