AST SpaceMobile Plans June Launch of Three BlueBird Satellites via SpaceX
AST SpaceMobile has announced plans to launch three second-generation BlueBird satellites in mid-June 2026 using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This strategic shift follows a significant setback last month when a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket failed to deploy the BlueBird 7 satellite correctly, resulting in its loss due to orbital decay. The company aims to accelerate its network deployment to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile service, which already offers connectivity through partners like T-Mobile. AST currently operates only seven satellites but requires between 45 and 60 to provide continuous coverage across the US and other key markets. With 32 next-generation satellites in advanced assembly stages, the company faces the challenging task of launching 38 additional units within seven months to meet its year-end service goals for partners AT&T and Verizon. While initial targets for quarterly launches were missed, AST intends to maintain a launch cadence of every one to two months. This upcoming mission marks a return to the Falcon 9, which successfully deployed earlier first-generation units in 2024, highlighting the company's urgent effort to establish viable direct-to-cell smartphone connectivity.
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AST SpaceMobile Plans June Launch of Three BlueBird Satellites via SpaceX
AST SpaceMobile has announced plans to launch three second-generation BlueBird satellites in mid-June 2026 using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This strategic shift follows a significant setback last month when a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket failed to deploy the BlueBird 7 satellite correctly, resulting in its loss due to orbital decay. The company aims to accelerate its network deployment to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile service, which already offers connectivity through partners like T-Mobile. AST currently operates only seven satellites but requires between 45 and 60 to provide continuous coverage across the US and other key markets. With 32 next-generation satellites in advanced assembly stages, the company faces the challenging task of launching 38 additional units within seven months to meet its year-end service goals for partners AT&T and Verizon. While initial targets for quarterly launches were missed, AST intends to maintain a launch cadence of every one to two months. This upcoming mission marks a return to the Falcon 9, which successfully deployed earlier first-generation units in 2024, highlighting the company's urgent effort to establish viable direct-to-cell smartphone connectivity.
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