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 deployed BlueBird satellites 8, 9, and 10 into orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
AST SpaceMobile’s satellites were captured within minutes of launch.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 completed a successful orbital launch.
AST SpaceMobile’s spectrum strategy relies on commercial partnerships with global telecom operators.
AST SpaceMobile is preparing the next three satellites for shipment.
AST SpaceMobile’s next three spacecraft, BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13, are undergoing final preparations for shipment to the Florida launch site.
AST SpaceMobile completed a successful satellite launch on June 17, 2026.
AST SpaceMobile confirmed acquisition of signal for all three satellites after launch.
AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation BlueBird satellites are designed to deliver peak data speeds of nearly 200 Mbps directly to standard smartphones.
Additional BlueBird units through BlueBird 37 are in active production and assembly at AST SpaceMobile’s 500,000-square-foot facility in Midland, Texas.
AST SpaceMobile completed a successful satellite launch on Jun 17, 2026.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has granted AST SpaceMobile commercial authority to deploy its space-based broadband nationwide in the United States.
The BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 launch was AST SpaceMobile’s first stacked launch.
AST SpaceMobile’s satellites were already orbiting Earth with all systems nominal after launch.
AST SpaceMobile says the communications arrays on BlueBird satellites 8, 9, and 10 are the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit.
AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation stackable satellite architecture uses advanced composite carbon structures to support efficient multi-satellite launches and accelerated constellation deployment.
AST SpaceMobile operates more than 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operations facilities globally.
AST SpaceMobile’s stated goal is to provide voice, data, and video broadband service via satellite directly to everyday devices without specialized terminals or additional hardware.
The new BlueBird satellites are expected to deliver nearly double the peak data speeds of AST SpaceMobile’s initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites.
AST SpaceMobile employs more than 2,250 people.