AST SpaceMobile is a publicly traded satellite designer and manufacturer headquartered in Midland, Texas, focused on building a space-based cellular broadband network. Their SpaceMobile network aims to connect directly to standard, unmodified smartphones via their constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, like the BlueBird series. AST SpaceMobile partners with mobile network operators like AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone to expand cellular coverage and provide connectivity in underserved areas, also securing contracts with the U.S. government for secure and reliable connectivity.
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AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird platform combines space-based cellular broadband, space AI edge computing, and mission-critical government applications on one platform.
AST SpaceMobile says BlueBird 8, BlueBird 9, and BlueBird 10 are the world’s largest communications arrays operating in low Earth orbit.
AST SpaceMobile says its BlueBird platform supports peak data rates approaching 200 Mbps.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird program is being developed in Texas.
AST SpaceMobile has advanced production through satellite 42.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 8, BlueBird 9, and BlueBird 10 are fully deployed to full size in low Earth orbit.
SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, Amazon, and Rocket Lab have paid for direct-to-device spectrum rights.
The FCC must approve AST SpaceMobile’s request before the experimental campaign can proceed.
AST SpaceMobile’s planned Direct-to-Device tests would take place in Midland, Texas, and Lanham, Maryland.
AST SpaceMobile filed a 30-day request for temporary FCC authorization to test Direct-to-Device broadband using its satellites and standard smartphones.
AST SpaceMobile’s planned tests would use additional T-Mobile US spectrum to evaluate expanded coverage and capacity under interference-free conditions.
AST SpaceMobile plans to raise up to $1 billion through a convertible senior notes offering to fund ongoing operations, secure launch capacity, and evaluate potential strategic acquisitions.
AST SpaceMobile completed a strategic pivot to SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets to deliver its intermediate satellite batches.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 have completed fabrication and are scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket during the first half of August 2026.
AST SpaceMobile is a Texas-based operator.
AST SpaceMobile originally partnered with Blue Origin to launch 45 BlueBird satellites on the New Glenn rocket.
AST SpaceMobile is continuing to manufacture and deploy its Block 2 BlueBird satellite configuration for continuous space-based cellular broadband service.
AST SpaceMobile has rescheduled its commercial Direct-to-Device service launch to early 2027.
The launch of BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 will expand AST SpaceMobile’s in-orbit fleet to 13 space vehicles.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 10 has successfully deployed in low Earth orbit.