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 lists more than 50 partners.
AST SpaceMobile completed a formal handoff of BlueBird 7 to Blue Origin during encapsulation.
AST SpaceMobile’s system is designed to enable 120 Mbps peak data rates.
AST SpaceMobile’s trailing twelve-month revenue was $4.9 million.
A seventh AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellite is scheduled to be launched in early 2026.
AST SpaceMobile’s architecture communicates directly with unmodified smartphones using standard cellular protocols.
Six AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites currently orbit in low Earth orbit at approximately 460 miles altitude.
AST SpaceMobile’s satellites orbit overhead at roughly 17,000 miles per hour.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites orbit at approximately 460 miles altitude.
AST SpaceMobile has a market capitalization north of $40 billion.
AT&T plans to launch a beta test of direct-to-device satellite service in partnership with AST SpaceMobile in the first half of 2026.
AST SpaceMobile’s Block 1 BlueBird satellites feature antenna arrays up to 693 square feet in size.
AST SpaceMobile has relationships with some of the world’s most important telcos that provide a head start in the D2D market.
AST SpaceMobile will leave billing to its telco partners.
Rakuten is a founding partner and lead investor in AST SpaceMobile, the company pursuing a space-based cellular broadband network.
AST SpaceMobile plans launches every one or two months on average through the launch cadence supporting the 45–60 satellite target.
AST SpaceMobile has agreements with over 50 mobile network operators globally covering nearly 3 billion subscribers combined.
AST SpaceMobile has strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell, and stc Group.
AST SpaceMobile is 95% vertically integrated and maintains United States control over its manufacturing process.
AST SpaceMobile employs nearly 1,800 people.