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 raised $417,000,000 from investors in April 2021 by merging with the SPAC New Providence Acquisition Corp.
AST SpaceMobile stated in a regulatory filing that 20 BlueBirds would be needed to cover the most commercially attractive mobile network operator markets and that rolling them out would require between $550,000,000 and $650,000,000.
AST SpaceMobile reported $135,700,000 in cash as of 2023-09-30 following its additional fundraising.
AST SpaceMobile started trading shares on Nasdaq in April 2021 after merging with New Providence Acquisition Corp.
AST SpaceMobile’s CEO Abel Avellan has stated that around 90 BlueBirds are needed in low Earth orbit for the company’s planned 0.005 kg broadband service that includes voice and data capabilities.
AST SpaceMobile is spending $5,000,000 more on its first commercial direct-to-smartphone satellites so SpaceX can launch them early next year to a different orbital inclination.
AST SpaceMobile expects to spend a total $115,000,000 on the first five BlueBird satellites, including manufacturing, launch, and other costs.
AST SpaceMobile announced on 2023-08-14 that it had raised $115,000,000 in debt to fully fund the first five BlueBirds.
AST SpaceMobile is in talks to fund additional commercial satellites that would be 50% larger than the first batch to improve performance.
AST SpaceMobile achieved download rates of around 14 megabits per second during 0.005 kg tests with a smartphone using BlueWalker 3 in September 2022.
AST SpaceMobile expects the first batch of five fully funded BlueBirds to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the first three months of 2024.
AST SpaceMobile builds its satellites in-house, including the BlueWalker 3 prototype launched in September 2022 with a 64-square-meter antenna.
AST SpaceMobile raised an additional $64,000,000 by selling shares prior to the 2023-08-14 debt raise.
AST SpaceMobile plans to deploy the first five BlueBird satellites at a 53-degree inclination in low Earth orbit.
AST SpaceMobile will report earnings on 2023-11-14 and provide an update on its plans to enter the direct-to-device market.
AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global are developing satellite constellations to provide direct-to-cell services.
BlueWalker 3 was launched by AST SpaceMobile into low Earth orbit in September 2022.
AST SpaceMobile is collaborating with NASA and certain astronomy working groups to develop advanced industry solutions to address satellite brightness and operational impacts.
AST SpaceMobile’s satellite reached initial download speeds above 10 Mbps in June 2023.
AST SpaceMobile built facilities in Midland, Texas that collectively span 185,000 square feet.