AST SpaceMobile Prepares for September Launch with Arrival of First Commercial Satellites at Cape Canaveral

AST SpaceMobile Prepares for September Launch with Arrival of First Commercial Satellites at Cape Canaveral
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 09, 2024

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), first space-based cellular broadband network directly accessible by everyday smartphones, has reported arrival of its first five commercial satellites, known as BlueBirds, at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The satellites are set to be launched during a seven-day window in September.

The BlueBird satellites are equipped with the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit, measuring an impressive 693 square feet. This marks a significant advancement in AST SpaceMobile's mission to provide uninterrupted cellular broadband connectivity to billions of mobile users around the globe.

Building upon the success of its BlueWalker 3 satellite, the five new BlueBird satellites offer a tenfold increase in processing capacity. This enhancement paves the way for delivering global space-based cellular broadband directly to smartphones, initially providing non-continuous coverage across the continental United States utilizing more than 5,600 cells on premium low-band spectrum.

"These satellites represent years of relentless innovation," stated 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."

Constructed at AST SpaceMobile's advanced 185,000 square foot facility in Midland, Texas, these first commercial satellites reflect the company's dedication to innovation and operational excellence. The facility is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology specifically designed for satellite production.

Throughout 2024, AST SpaceMobile has secured additional strategic investments from major companies such as AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone. The company has also obtained a new contract from the United States Government through a prime contractor.

AST SpaceMobile maintains agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators worldwide, collectively serving over 2.8 billion subscribers. This includes partnerships with industry leaders such as Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, and many others. AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada are among the existing investors in AST SpaceMobile.