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 10 has successfully deployed in low Earth orbit.
In April 2026, AST SpaceMobile lost its BlueBird 7 satellite after a Blue Origin launch vehicle experienced an upper stage malfunction.
AST SpaceMobile’s growing constellation includes BlueBird 10.
AST SpaceMobile expects to recover the financial cost of BlueBird 7 through insurance.
Bell Canada’s direct-to-device ground stations rely on AST SpaceMobile’s space-based mobile broadband network for orbital connectivity.
AST SpaceMobile must sustain a launch cadence to reach roughly 45 operational satellites by the end of 2026 to support Bell Canada’s planned network activation.
MoffettNathanson compared SpaceX’s economic trajectory with AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-device business.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 12 and BlueBird 13 satellites have expanded phased arrays designed to support two-way voice, data, and video services.
AST SpaceMobile’s August launch will also include the BlueBird 12 and BlueBird 13 satellites.
On Friday, July 10, 2026, shares of AST SpaceMobile Inc. were heading toward their sharpest weekly decline in more than a month.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 12 and BlueBird 13 satellites are designed to deliver up to twice the peak data speeds achieved by the company’s initial experimental versions.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 11 satellite has moved from the company’s Midland, Texas manufacturing facility to Cape Canaveral, Florida for a deployment window in the first half of August.
AST SpaceMobile, Skylo, and Iridium are examples of 3GPP Release 17/18 compliant LEO constellation providers that could use the joint venture’s pooled airwaves.
AST SpaceMobile currently lacks a South Korean carrier in its global roster.
AST SpaceMobile has deep integration agreements with nearly 60 global mobile network operators representing over 3 billion subscribers.
AST SpaceMobile says its stackable satellite architecture supports multi-satellite launches and faster constellation deployment.
AST SpaceMobile’s satellites use a stackable architecture built around advanced composite carbon structures.
AST SpaceMobile has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators worldwide covering a combined subscriber base of more than 3 billion.
AST SpaceMobile’s previous mission launched BlueBird 8, BlueBird 9, and BlueBird 10 in June 2026, and all three satellites are operating in orbit.
AST SpaceMobile has three BlueBird satellites scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in the first half of August on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.