AST SpaceMobile Sees August Launch of BlueBird 11, 12, 13

AST SpaceMobile announced plans to launch its next three BlueBird satellites—BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13—from Cape Canaveral during the first half of August, marking another step in the company’s effort to build a global space-based cellular broadband network that connects directly to standard smartphones. The satellites will enter low Earth orbit and expand the company’s constellation designed to deliver voice, data, and video services without requiring specialized handsets or external terminals.

The new satellites feature communications arrays measuring approximately 2,400 square feet (223 square meters), matching the size of the BlueBird satellites currently operating in orbit. AST SpaceMobile said the satellites are expected to deliver nearly double the peak data rates achieved by its initial Block 1 BlueBird spacecraft, which recently demonstrated download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones. The company continues to manufacture additional spacecraft, with production and assembly progressing through BlueBird 37.

AST SpaceMobile said the satellites incorporate its stackable satellite architecture, which uses advanced carbon composite structures to support multi-satellite launches and accelerate constellation deployment. The company also highlighted its multi-provider launch strategy as a means of increasing deployment flexibility as it scales its network. AST SpaceMobile has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators representing more than 3 billion subscribers globally, including strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.

• BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 are targeted for launch from Cape Canaveral in the first half of August.
• Each satellite features a communications array spanning approximately 2,400 square feet (223 square meters).
• The satellites are expected to deliver nearly twice the peak throughput of AST’s initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites.
• AST recently demonstrated peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones.
• Production and assembly activities are underway through BlueBird 37.
• AST has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators covering more than 3 billion subscribers worldwide.
• Strategic partners include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.

“With each successful launch, we move closer to our goal of making space-based cellular broadband accessible wherever people live, work, and travel,” said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile. “BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 build on the momentum of our recent constellation and represent another important milestone as we prepare for commercial service.”

🌐 Analysis

AST SpaceMobile continues to advance one of the most ambitious direct-to-device (D2D) satellite initiatives in the industry. Unlike traditional satellite broadband systems that rely on dedicated user terminals, AST’s architecture aims to connect directly to conventional 4G and 5G smartphones using licensed cellular spectrum provided by its mobile operator partners. The successful deployment of BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 would further increase constellation capacity as the company moves toward broader commercial service availability.