AST SpaceMobile Inc (NASDAQ:ASTS) saw its stock rise by more than 4% on Tuesday after the company said it intends to launch three more BlueBird satellites in the first half of August. The planned payload - BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 - is scheduled to lift off aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The planned August mission will build on the company’s June 2026 deployment, which placed BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 into low Earth orbit. Those satellites are currently operating in orbit, and the new additions are intended to expand the firm’s space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to standard smartphones for both commercial and government uses.
Each of the upcoming satellites is equipped with commercial communications arrays measuring roughly 2,400 square feet. AST SpaceMobile said these arrays are expected to offer nearly double the peak data speeds of its initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites. The company’s earlier in-orbit hardware recently recorded peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps when communicating directly with unmodified smartphones.
The satellites are built on a stackable architecture that utilizes advanced composite carbon structures. That design is meant to facilitate multi-satellite launches and accelerate overall constellation deployment, according to the company’s description of the platform.
AST SpaceMobile has formal agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators worldwide, representing a combined subscriber base of over 3 billion. The company lists strategic partners and agreements with major carriers and infrastructure firms, including AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.
AST SpaceMobile cautioned that the announced launch window is subject to change. The company noted that timing depends on launch provider readiness, prevailing weather conditions at the launch site, and other factors outside of its control.
Key points
- ASTS shares moved higher after the company announced plans to launch BlueBirds 11-13 in the first half of August.
- The new satellites carry approximately 2,400 square foot commercial arrays and aim to nearly double peak data speeds compared with initial Block 1 BlueBirds.
- The company maintains agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators covering more than 3 billion combined subscribers, impacting telecom and satellite services markets.
Risks and uncertainties
- The precise launch timing is conditional on launch provider readiness and weather, which could delay deployment and affect timelines for service expansion.
- External factors beyond AST SpaceMobile’s control could alter mission schedules or operational plans, creating uncertainty for investors and partners in the telecom and space sectors.