// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Direct-to-Device
Direct-to-Device (D2D) refers to technology that allows satellites to communicate directly with standard mobile phones or other consumer devices without needing specialized ground equipment.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Direct-to-Device (D2D) is an emerging satellite communication capability enabling direct connectivity between orbiting satellites and unmodified terrestrial consumer devices, such as smartphones, for services like messaging, voice, or data, bypassing traditional ground infrastructure.
BACKGROUND
Outer space, or simply space, is the expanse that exists beyond Earth's atmosphere and between celestial bodies. It contains ultra-low levels of particle densities, constituting a near-perfect vacuum of predominantly hydrogen and helium plasma, permeated by electromagnetic radiation, cosmic rays, neutrinos, magnetic fields and dust. The baseline temperature of outer space, as set by the background radiation from the Big Bang, is 2.7 kelvins.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Satellite-to-Phone
- D2D Satellite
- Mobile Satellite Direct
USAGE NOTE
Direct-to-Device services promise to eliminate dead zones and provide ubiquitous connectivity for mobile users.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Direct-to-Device.
Developing and launching a satellite constellation to provide direct-to-cell service for standard smartphones, enabling voice, text, and data connectivity from space.
Building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly to standard, unmodified mobile phones.
Operating a 'cell-tower-in-space' constellation to provide direct-to-standard-device connectivity for text messaging, voice, and data across remote areas.
Developing a global hybrid network that combines GEO and non-geostationary satellite constellations to deliver 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity directly to devices.
A leading developer of chipsets and modems that enable satellite direct-to-device communication, collaborating with satellite operators to integrate NTN capabilities into mobile devices.
While known for specialized devices, Iridium is exploring and developing new direct-to-device solutions for IoT and potentially other applications, leveraging its LEO constellation.
Providing a direct-to-device satellite network for IoT, enabling devices to connect and transmit data via existing geostationary satellites without needing specialized satellite terminals.