AST SpaceMobile, which is developing a space-based cellular broadband network accessible by everyday smartphones, has announced the successful orbital launch of its BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites.
The mission lifted off on Wednesday onboard a Falcon 9 rocket.
The press release notes that the BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 satellites are the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit, measuring at approx. 2400 square feet. AST SpaceMobile says these next-gen satellites are designed to deliver nearly double the peak data speeds of the initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites, which recently achieved peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones.
“This first stacked launch is just the beginning,” Says Abel Avella, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 will ship shortly for our next launch, while next-generation BlueBird satellites through BlueBird 37 are already in active production and assembly. Our focus is firmly on execution: scaling launch cadence, manufacturing, and preparing for commercial service.”
Blue Origin tried to launch its seventh satellite earlier this year, but it failed to remain in a sufficiently high orbit to remain operational.
Interestingly, both Bell and Telus have partnered with AST SpaceMobile, with Telus becoming an equity shareholder in the company. This launch brings us closer to Bell and Telus having satellite-to-mobile coverage.
The other major Canadian telecom company, Rogers, uses SpaceX’s Starlink for its satellite-to-mobile service.
Source: AST SpaceMobile
