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’s FCC approval covers up to 248 satellites for Supplemental Coverage from Space using the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird #7 failed during a launch on April 19.
AST SpaceMobile’s mobile network operator partners include Verizon, AT&T, and FirstNet.
AST SpaceMobile expects an orbital launch every one or two months on average during 2026.
The FCC rejected Sateliot’s and AST SpaceMobile’s requests to enter the 2 GHz band.
The FCC approved AST SpaceMobile’s service earlier this week.
The FCC dismissed requests from SpaceX, Kepler Communications, Sateliot, and AST SpaceMobile for market access in portions of MSS spectrum.
AST SpaceMobile expects the cost of BlueBird 7 to be recovered under its insurance policy.
AST SpaceMobile is targeting 45 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026.
AST SpaceMobile will de-orbit BlueBird 7 to prevent long-term space debris.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 separated successfully and initialized its power systems after deployment.
AST SpaceMobile plans to ship BlueBird satellites 8 through 10 in approximately 30 days.
A thrust anomaly during New Glenn’s second-stage GS2 burn caused the loss of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 satellite.
BlueBird 7 was AST SpaceMobile’s second satellite built on its larger Block 2 architecture, following BlueBird 6 in February 2026.
Iridium NTN Direct is intended to complement direct-to-device services from SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and Amazon Leo.
AST SpaceMobile’s loss of BlueBird 7 is a setback to its timeline for nationwide direct-to-cell commercial service.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 does not have enough propellant in its onboard thrusters to raise itself to a sustainable operational orbit.
The FCC requires AST SpaceMobile to launch 124 satellites by Aug. 2, 2030 and the full 248-satellite constellation by Aug. 2, 2033.
The FCC approved a commercial license for AST SpaceMobile's satellite direct-to-device constellation.
AST SpaceMobile's 248-satellite constellation will operate at altitudes of 425-690 km.