AST Space Mobile

AST SpaceMobile plans to integrate its satellite links with existing mobile core networks using standard spectrum in coordination with partners.

AST SpaceMobile will validate the performance of BlueBird 6’s large phased array, beamforming system, and integration with partner networks during the on-orbit test and commissioning phase.

AST SpaceMobile has agreements with more than 50 mobile network operators worldwide to support its direct-to-device strategy.

Deployment of BlueBird 6 is part of a broader constellation build-out that AST SpaceMobile plans to accelerate over the next two years.

AST SpaceMobile operates nearly 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operations facilities.

AST SpaceMobile plans launches at an average cadence of every one or two months as the constellation scales toward initial commercial service.

AST SpaceMobile intends to use tightened beams from BlueBird 6 to support higher data throughput while managing spectrum use in coordination with terrestrial mobile networks.

AST SpaceMobile expects BlueBird 6 to deliver up to ten times the bandwidth capacity of its earlier BlueBird 1 through 5 satellites.

AST SpaceMobile intends for BlueBird 6 and its successors to support 4G and 5G protocols used by current smartphones to reduce adoption friction for operators.

AST SpaceMobile has created a proprietary design and production process to support a global space-based mobile network.

AST SpaceMobile is targeting both consumer and government users that require coverage in areas where terrestrial networks are absent or unreliable.

The mobile network operators aligned with AST SpaceMobile collectively represent nearly 3 billion mobile subscribers.

AST SpaceMobile’s strategic partners include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell, and stc Group.

AST SpaceMobile reports that its vertically integrated operations have been built up over several years as it refined the design of its large phased array satellites.

AST SpaceMobile positions BlueBird 6’s beamforming approach as a way to extend mobile coverage to remote and underserved regions without changing user equipment.

AST SpaceMobile designed the oversized phased array on BlueBird 6 to allow highly precise beamforming that creates narrower and more focused coverage areas to reduce interference and increase usable network capacity.

AST SpaceMobile employs a workforce of nearly 1,800 people.

Abel Avellan is the founder, chairman, and chief executive of AST SpaceMobile and identifies BlueBird 6 as reflecting a new spacecraft design and a new manufacturing approach.

AST SpaceMobile combines specialized American manufacturing with engineering focused on building space hardware at scale for the cellular market.

AST SpaceMobile characterizes its operations as roughly 95 percent vertically integrated with manufacturing and process control kept under United States jurisdiction.