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.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
AST SpaceMobile planned to stack up to eight BlueBird satellites on a single New Glenn launch.
AST SpaceMobile said BlueBird 7 was too low for its electric thrusters to recover and would be deorbited.
AST SpaceMobile works in partnership with AT&T, Verizon, and FirstNet on its direct-to-device satellite service.
AST SpaceMobile currently has six satellites in orbit.
BlueBird #7 was the second Block 2 satellite in AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn upper stage failed to deploy AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird #7 into its intended orbit.
The FCC specified frequencies for AST SpaceMobile on April 23.
AST SpaceMobile planned to use SpaceX to launch BlueBirds 8-10, 11-13, and 14-16.
AST SpaceMobile plans to deorbit BlueBird #7 in a controlled manner.
AST SpaceMobile’s next planned launches will use SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets.
AST SpaceMobile is currently in production through BlueBird 32.
Deutsche Bank said AST SpaceMobile plans to launch approximately 45 satellites by the end of 2026, down from original guidance of 45-60 satellites.
Quilty Space chief executive Chris Quilty said AST SpaceMobile’s satellites are manufactured on a production line.
AST SpaceMobile added 200 new staff over the past few months and has a workforce of more than 2,000.
The FCC granted AST SpaceMobile a total of 664 MHz.
The FCC granted AST SpaceMobile commercial approval for previously granted Special Temporary Authorities, requested frequencies through AT&T and Verizon, requested global MMS frequencies outside the United States, and the previous STA granted for FirstNet on April 22.
AST SpaceMobile expects BlueBirds 8-10 to ship in approximately 30 days.
Deutsche Bank reiterated a $117 per share price target for AST SpaceMobile’s stock after the launch failure.
Deutsche Bank estimated that most of AST SpaceMobile’s roughly 45 planned satellites are intended to launch on New Glenn.
AST SpaceMobile continues to target approximately 45 satellites in orbit in 2026.