AST SpaceMobile announced late Monday that BlueBird satellites 8, 9, and 10 have been encapsulated inside a SpaceX Falcon 9 fairing ahead of a scheduled June 17 launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The satellites are expected to expand the company's direct-to-device constellation and deliver nearly double the peak data speeds of its initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites, which earlier this year reported download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones. The launch preparations come as AST competes for Japan's 150 billion yen ($1 billion) J-LEO satellite communications project, with a decision expected before the end of June, and as the company maintains its target to deploy 45 satellites this year despite losing BlueBird 7 in April.
AST SpaceMobile Encapsulates BlueBird 8-10 for June 17 Falcon 9 Launch
In a post on X, AST SpaceMobile confirmed that the three satellites are now secured inside Falcon 9 and ready for launch. The company highlighted the mission's stacked configuration, which uses advanced carbon-fiber structures to withstand ascent forces comparable to carrying a fully loaded space shuttle orbiter during launch.
The satellites feature deployable arrays measuring 2,400 square feet, making them among the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low-Earth orbit. President Scott Wisniewski said the upcoming launch marks another important milestone as the company continues advancing the deployment of its space-based cellular broadband network. Like BlueBird 6, the new satellites are designed to provide cellular broadband service accessible directly from everyday smartphones.
AST-Rakuten Alliance Competes for Japan's $1 Billion J-LEO Project
According to Japanese media reports, a Rakuten Mobile-AST SpaceMobile alliance and a KDDI-SpaceX consortium have emerged as the leading contenders for Japan's J-LEO satellite communications initiative. The 150 billion yen ($1 billion) project aims to create a domestically controlled direct-to-cell satellite network. The winning operator is expected to provide nationwide smartphone connectivity, including during disasters and emergencies, by 2029. A decision is expected before the end of June.
AST SpaceMobile Targets 45-Satellite Deployment Despite BlueBird 7 Loss
AST's latest deployment campaign follows the loss of BlueBird 7 in April, due to an upper-stage anomaly during Blue Origin's third New Glenn mission. The company has emphasized that it is not dependent on a single launch provider and maintains relationships with both SpaceX and Blue Origin. CEO Abel Avellan said AST remains on target to deploy 45 satellites this year.
Around the launch preparations, shares of AST SpaceMobile slipped over 1% overnight late Monday, after jumping over 6% on Monday to end the session at $87.57. The stock has surged 128% over the past year.
FAQ
When is AST SpaceMobile launching BlueBird 8-10?
AST SpaceMobile is launching BlueBird satellites 8, 9, and 10 on June 17 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
What happened to AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 satellite?
BlueBird 7 was lost in April due to an upper-stage anomaly during Blue Origin's third New Glenn mission.
How many satellites does AST SpaceMobile plan to deploy this year?
CEO Abel Avellan said AST SpaceMobile remains on target to deploy 45 satellites this year despite the loss of BlueBird 7 in April.
