SpaceX sending iPhone Emergency SOS Satellites to Space for Apple partner Globalstar

For Apple partner Globalstar, SpaceX is launching iPhone Emergency SOS satellites into orbit. As part of a $64 million agreement between the two businesses, SpaceX will launch 17 additional satellites into orbit in 2025. These satellites will be utilized to increase the network coverage of Globalstar and the dependability of its Emergency SOS service.

The iPhone 14 was the first device to include the Emergency SOS via Satellite function. It enables users to dial 911 even when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi reception. The function operates by establishing a connection with the low-Earth orbiting satellites of Globalstar.

This Emergency SOS service will become more dependable and effective because of the new technology that SpaceX is installing on its new satellites. Additionally, they will be able to reach farther, including isolated and rural locations. It’s anticipated that Apple will expand the availability of its Emergency SOS via Satellite capability with the introduction of the new satellites. People who travel or work in rural regions will be safer thanks to it as well.

Here are some additional details about the agreement between SpaceX and Globalstar:

• 17 satellites will be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets.
• The launch window is from January to June 2025.
• These satellites will be placed in lower Earth orbit at an altitude of 1,400 kilometers.
• Satellites will have a lifespan of 15 years.

What is SOS via satellite and how to use it?

Some smartphones offer a function called SOS via satellite that enables users to call emergency services even if they don’t have access to cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. Connecting to satellites in low Earth orbit allows the feature to function.

In order to use SOS via satellite, you normally need to press and hold the side button and either volume button for 5 seconds. Your phone will attempt to connect to a cellular network and Emergency SOS will be activated. It will attempt to connect to a satellite network if a cellular network cannot be reached.

Your location will be sent to emergency personnel through text message if your phone can connect to a satellite network. A satellite link will allow you to communicate with an emergency dispatcher as well. Some iPhones and Android smartphones support SOS via satellite, although not all nations or areas do.

Here are some of the benefits of SOS via satellite:

• It is usable in places where there is no cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
• Even when your phone is off, you can use it to contact emergency services.
• It can be used to send emergency responders a text message that includes your location.
• It can be used to communicate with an emergency dispatcher via satellite.

What satellites does Apple emergency SOS use? Does Apple use its own satellites?

Apple doesn’t have any satellites of its own. However, it does collaborate with Globalstar, a business that runs a constellation of 48 low-Earth orbit satellites and owns them. Users all throughout the world may access voice, data, and messaging services thanks to these satellites. The Emergency SOS via Satellite function on the iPhone 14 is powered by Globalstar satellites.

In addition to Globalstar, it is said that Apple is developing its own satellite network. However, this has not been formally confirmed yet.

Although it’s feasible that Apple will ultimately have its own satellites, it currently depends on alliances with other businesses. As a result, Apple is free to concentrate on its core capabilities, such as designing and producing smartphones, and delegate the management of satellites to other businesses.

SpaceX will get several benefits by sending iPhone Emergency SOS satellites to space for Apple partner Globalstar. These include:

• Revenue: Globalstar will pay SpaceX for the launch services. The contract has a $64 million total value.
• Experience: In order to launch satellites into low Earth orbit, SpaceX will gain experience. This knowledge will be useful for further SpaceX initiatives like its Starlink constellation.
• Customer relationships: With Globalstar, a significant client, SpaceX will deepen its partnership. Future agreements with Globalstar or other businesses might result from this.
• Publicity: SpaceX will be praised for contributing to increased security. This might make it easier to draw in new investors and clients.

The deal to launch iPhone Emergency SOS satellites for Globalstar will be very beneficial to SpaceX. The agreement will bring income, experience, customer contacts, and publicity to SpaceX.

These advantages might enable it to expand and establish itself as a market leader in launch services. Additionally, SpaceX might be able to enhance its own satellite navigation and communication systems using the information gathered from the iPhone Emergency SOS satellites. This might result in new uses for SpaceX’s satellites, like bringing the internet to far-off places or tracking ships and aircraft.

Overall, SpaceX will significantly gain from the deal to launch iPhone Emergency SOS satellites for Globalstar. It is an extensive source of income and presents the company with potential for future growth.

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