AST SpaceMobile is preparing to launch its first five commercial satellites, known as BlueBirds, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in September. These satellites, which feature the largest-ever commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit, are designed to deliver cellular broadband connectivity directly to everyday smartphones for both commercial and government applications. The BlueBirds offer a tenfold increase in processing capacity compared to the company’s previous BlueWalker 3 satellite and will initially provide non-continuous coverage across the continental United States. The satellites were manufactured at AST SpaceMobile’s facility in Midland, TX.
- Satellite Launch: First five commercial BlueBird satellites to launch from Cape Canaveral in September.
- Technological Milestone: Largest-ever commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit at 693 square feet.
- Enhanced Capabilities: Tenfold increase in processing capacity compared to BlueWalker 3.
- Global Coverage: Initial focus on non-continuous coverage across the continental U.S., using over 5,600 cells on low-band spectrum.
- Manufacturing: Satellites built in a state-of-the-art 185,000 square feet facility in Midland, TX.
“These satellites represent years of relentless innovation,” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “We are excited to take yet another step towards bridging the digital divide on a global scale with space-based cellular broadband.”
