AST SpaceMobile Sets Historic Launch Date for BlueBird 6: Pioneering the Future of Global Connectivity
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), the trailblazing company building the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, has announced a historic milestone: the target launch date for its next-generation satellite, BlueBird 6, is set for December 15th. The launch will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s mission to deliver ubiquitous cellular broadband coverage across the globe.
BlueBird 6 represents a giant leap forward in satellite technology and innovation. Once deployed, it will feature the largest commercial phased array ever placed in low Earth orbit, spanning nearly 2,400 square feet. This massive advancement is 3.5 times larger than the arrays on its predecessors, BlueBirds 1-5, and supports ten times the data capacity. As the first of AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation satellites, BlueBird 6 underscores the company’s commitment to revolutionizing global connectivity and bridging the digital divide.
A Bold Vision for Ubiquitous Connectivity
“Our next-generation satellites will soon enable ubiquitous cellular broadband coverage direct to everyday smartphones from space,” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “As an American company, we are proud to demonstrate U.S. leadership in space innovation while pioneering the next era of global connectivity.”
This ambitious initiative aims to provide seamless internet access to underserved and remote areas, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. By leveraging cutting-edge satellite technology, AST SpaceMobile is not only addressing commercial needs but also supporting critical government applications, including emergency response and national security.
Accelerating Production and Expanding Reach
To achieve its vision, AST SpaceMobile is accelerating production at an unprecedented scale. The company is on track to complete the equivalent of 40 satellites’ worth of microns by early 2026. With plans for five orbital launches by the end of Q1 2026, AST SpaceMobile aims to deploy 45 to 60 satellites by the end of 2026. These launches will occur every one to two months on average, enabling continuous coverage across the United States and select international markets.
This rapid expansion is supported by state-of-the-art manufacturing and operations facilities spanning nearly 500,000 square feet worldwide, with approximately 400,000 square feet located in the United States. AST SpaceMobile’s global workforce of nearly 1,800 employees, the vast majority based in the U.S., plays a crucial role in driving this ambitious endeavor.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
While the December 15th launch date marks a significant step forward, the exact timing of future orbital launches remains subject to various factors. These include the readiness of launch providers, weather conditions, and other logistical considerations that are often beyond the company’s control. Despite these challenges, AST SpaceMobile is committed to maintaining transparency and keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process.
For those eager to witness this historic event, AST SpaceMobile will offer a live broadcast of the launch on its official YouTube channel. This provides an opportunity for the public to engage with and celebrate the groundbreaking advancements being made in space technology.
A New Era of Space Innovation
The deployment of BlueBird 6 is more than just a technological achievement—it is a testament to AST SpaceMobile’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. By developing the largest commercial communications array ever launched into low Earth orbit, the company is setting new standards for space-based connectivity.
This milestone also highlights the importance of international collaboration in advancing space exploration and innovation. Partnering with the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India underscores AST SpaceMobile’s ability to work across borders, leveraging global expertise to drive progress.
Bridging the Digital Divide
In an increasingly connected world, access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Yet, billions of people remain unconnected due to geographic barriers, infrastructure limitations, or economic constraints. AST SpaceMobile’s groundbreaking efforts aim to address these disparities by providing affordable, high-speed internet access to even the most remote corners of the planet.
By enabling direct-to-smartphone connectivity, AST SpaceMobile is eliminating the need for specialized equipment or complex installations, making satellite internet accessible to the masses. This democratization of connectivity has the potential to transform industries, empower communities, and unlock opportunities for millions of people worldwide.
About AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.
