AST SpaceMobile Signed Launch Agreements for its New Block2 BlueBird Satellites

On November 14, 2024, in an official press release, AST SpaceMobile announced that it had signed launch services agreements to launch its Block2 satellites. This will ensure continuous space-based broadband service coverage across some of the most in-demand cellular markets globally.

A concept image of AST’s BlueBird satellites in orbit. Credits: AST SpaceMobile

In addition to existing launch vehicles, the launch campaign, currently scheduled for 2025 and 2026, will use Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, which has a fairing big enough to deploy eight satellites at a time to low Earth orbit (LEO).

Moreover, the company has also signed agreements with SpaceX, whose Falcon 9 can carry up to four BlueBird Block 2 satellites, and with ISRO for the use of its GSLV rocket, which can launch one satellite.

According to Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile, the recent agreements, the manufacturing capabilities in Texas, and the capital raised in 2024 have positioned the company effectively to achieve its goal of providing continuous cellular broadband service coverage.

A new generation of satellites

AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites represent a significant advancement in space-based cellular broadband technology.

Designed to deliver up to ten times the bandwidth capacity of their predecessors, these satellites are fundamental to the company’s target of providing continuous, 24/7 cellular broadband service coverage.

*An AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellite. Credits: AST SpaceMobile*

Each Block 2 BlueBird is equipped with expansive communications arrays measuring up to 2,400 square feet, making them the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO). These massive arrays are composed of advanced lightweight materials in order to maximize efficiency and durability in space.

The Block 2 satellites are designed to support beams with a capacity of up to 40 MHz, enabling data speeds of up to 120 Mbps. These speeds are not only sufficient for standard communication but also capable of supporting high-demand applications such as streaming high-definition video, supporting multiple users simultaneously, and allowing advanced data-sharing systems in real time.

The constellation

AST SpaceMobile, founded by Abel Avellan in Midland, Texas, in May 2017, is developing the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network.

By deploying a constellation of satellites called BlueBirds, the company aims to directly connect standard mobile phones without ground-based infrastructure to eliminate connectivity gaps and provide high-speed internet access to billions of people globally, including remote and underserved areas.

However, the company will have to face important competition with other companies like SpaceX, which has already launched over 100 space-to-device Starlink satellites and is also waiting for permission to provide services in the U.S.

The AST SpaceMobile satellite constellation. Credits: AST SpaceMobile

Following recent launch contracts, Andrew Johnson, AST SpaceMobile’s CFO, provided an update on the company’s satellite plans.

The cost to build and deploy each Block 2 BlueBird satellite has increased to $19-21 million from $16-18 million due to recent launch costs.

Despite higher costs, the company’s cash reserves grew to $519 million by the end of September, thanks to stock sales boosted by positive news about U.S. telecom partnerships. The company has also applied for a loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank to help fund bigger projects.