AST SpaceMobile, the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, announced the successful completion of its first five commercial satellites, called Bluebirds.
Each satellite has communications arrays measuring 693 square feet and are now ready for shipment to Cape Canaveral during the first week of August, with a 7-day launch window in September. The first five commercial satellites are the largest-ever commercial communications arrays deployed in low Earth orbit, designed to provide cellular broadband and support other government applications.
“This is a momentous occasion for AST SpaceMobile. These first five satellites are built on the success of our in-orbit BlueWalker 3 satellite and will provide U.S. nationwide non-continuous service with over 5,600 cells in premium low-band spectrum, with a planned 10-fold increase in processing bandwidth,” said Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “Completing the manufacturing, assembly, and environmental testing for these satellites represents a significant milestone in our mission to bridge the digital divide and deliver connectivity to those who need it most. We are eager to see these pioneering satellites take flight and begin laying the foundation for our global cellular broadband network.”
The Bluebird satellites have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet the demanding requirements of operations in space. The satellites are now in final preparations for shipment to Cape Canaveral, planned for the first week of August. Monitoring and final testing of the space-ready satellites will continue up until launch vehicle integration. As of July 18th, the satellites have an updated, contracted, 7-day launch window during the month of September. The exact launch date will be confirmed closer to the launch window and shared with the public.
These dates provide refined timing, consistent with previous guidance, to deliver satellites in July or August with an orbital launch scheduled shortly thereafter. The exact timing of satellite delivery and launch is subject to uncertainty and is contingent on a number of factors, including the final normal course of testing the satellites, regulatory approvals, confirmation of the final launch date by the launch provider, logistics, weather conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
During the first half of 2024, AST SpaceMobile secured additional strategic investment form AT&T, Verizon, Google and Vodafone, as well as a new contract award with the United States Government through a prime contractor.
The company has agreements and understandings with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, which have over 2.8 billion existing subscribers total, including Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Millicom, Smartfren, Telecom Argentina, MTN, Telstra, Africell, Liberty Latin America and others. AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada are also existing investors in AST SpaceMobile.
Click here to learn more about AST SpaceMobile's Space-based Cellular Broadband Network.
