AST SpaceMobile is currently in a rapid deployment phase, having successfully launched its first next-generation "BlueBird" satellite (BlueBird 6) in December 2025. The company is heavily focused on launching 45 to 60 of these BlueBird satellites by the end of 2026 to provide continuous 4G/5G cellular broadband directly to unmodified smartphones.
AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile
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Upcoming Projects and Milestones (2026 and Beyond):
BlueBird 7 Launch (Q1 2026): Following the success of BlueBird 6, the company is preparing for the next launch, BlueBird 7, which is scheduled to launch on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral in February 2026.
Rapid Satellite Deployment: AST SpaceMobile plans to launch satellites every one to two months, aiming for 45-60 BlueBird satellites in orbit by the end of 2026 to enable continuous service across the United States, Europe, Japan, and other regions.
Initial Service Rollout (Early 2026): The company aims to initiate "intermittent" nationwide coverage in selected markets in early 2026.
Next-Gen Block 2 BlueBirds: The satellites being launched (starting with BlueBird 6) are "Block 2" models, which feature 2,400 square foot arrays—roughly 3.5x larger than their predecessors—and are designed for 10x the data capacity, capable of 120 Mbps speeds.
Manufacturing Scale-Up: By the end of 2025/early 2026, the company is expanding its manufacturing capacity in Texas and Florida to produce up to six satellites per month.
Government and Defense Contracts: The company has entered into agreements with the U.S. Space Development Agency ($43M contract), the DoD's HALO program, and the Missile Defense Agency's SHIELD program.
Long-Term Goal: The company's longer-term, post-2026 goal is to operate a constellation of 243 satellites for comprehensive global coverage.
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