Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) on Wednesday launched AST SpaceMobile Inc.'s three largest commercial communications satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral. AST SpaceMobile announced that the BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites were launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The satellites are part of AST SpaceMobile's push toward commercializing a space-based cellular broadband network that works with existing 4G and 5G devices without requiring specialized hardware. This launch follows a setback in April after a catastrophic explosion of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket delayed the company's BlueBird satellite launch target. AST SpaceMobile is developing a direct-to-smartphone satellite constellation designed to connect standard mobile devices to space-based cellular broadband without additional hardware.
SpaceX Launches Three BlueBird Satellites for AST SpaceMobile
SpaceX shares were up more than 3% in Wednesday's pre-market trade, while AST SpaceMobile shares were up more than 6%. Both ASTS and SPCX were among the top trending tickers on Stocktwits at the time of writing. AST SpaceMobile is racing to commercialize a space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to existing smartphones without requiring specialized satellite hardware.
BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 Technical Specifications
BlueBirds 8, 9 and 10 are AST SpaceMobile's largest and most capable satellites deployed to date. Each spacecraft features an antenna array spanning roughly 2,400 square feet, making them the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit. The expanded antenna design is intended to improve coverage, increase network capacity and reduce interference while connecting directly to standard smartphones.
AST SpaceMobile stated that the satellites are designed to deliver peak data speeds of nearly 200 Mbps, almost double the 98.9 Mbps download speed recently demonstrated by its first-generation Block 1 BlueBird satellites. The company believes the enhanced performance will support voice calls, broadband data and video services directly from space without requiring users to purchase specialized satellite phones or additional hardware.
AST SpaceMobile Prepares Additional Satellites for Future Launches
AST SpaceMobile said BlueBirds 11, 12 and 13 are in final preparations for shipment to Cape Canaveral ahead of a future launch, while next-generation satellites through BlueBird 37 are already in production and assembly. CEO Abel Avellan said the company's focus remains on increasing launch cadence, scaling manufacturing and preparing for commercial service as it builds out its direct-to-smartphone satellite constellation.
Company Plans 2026 Launch Schedule
AST SpaceMobile has scheduled launches of its latest BlueBird satellites throughout 2026, supporting peak speeds of 120 Mbps per coverage cell. The company has partnered with over 50 telecom companies globally. AST SpaceMobile also stated that it has more than 3,900 patents and pending claims, and aims to reach about three billion subscribers globally through its network.
ATS stock is up 13% year-to-date, while SPCX stock is up 35%. The Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) is up 33% over the past 12 months, while the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ETF (VTI) is up 25%. The Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund ETF (VB) is up 28% during this period.
Retail sentiment on Stocktwits around AST SpaceMobile trended in the 'bullish' territory, while message volumes were at 'high' levels.
FAQ
What did SpaceX launch for AST SpaceMobile on Wednesday?
SpaceX launched AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on Wednesday. These are AST SpaceMobile's largest commercial communications satellites deployed to date, each featuring antenna arrays spanning roughly 2,400 square feet.
What data speeds are the new BlueBird satellites designed to deliver?
AST SpaceMobile stated that the BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites are designed to deliver peak data speeds of nearly 200 Mbps directly to standard smartphones. This is almost double the 98.9 Mbps download speed demonstrated by the company's first-generation Block 1 BlueBird satellites.
What are AST SpaceMobile's plans for future satellite launches?
AST SpaceMobile said BlueBirds 11, 12 and 13 are in final preparations for shipment to Cape Canaveral ahead of a future launch. The company has scheduled launches of its latest BlueBird satellites throughout 2026, supporting peak speeds of 120 Mbps per coverage cell, with next-generation satellites through BlueBird 37 already in production and assembly.
