AST SpaceMobile Prepares to Ship First Five Commercial Satellites

AST SpaceMobile Prepares to Ship First Five Commercial Satellites
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 29, 2024
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) has announced the completion of its first five commercial satellites, named Bluebirds. These satellites, each equipped with communications arrays spanning 693 square feet, are set to be shipped to Cape Canaveral in the first week of August. A 7-day launch window is scheduled for September.

"This is a momentous occasion for AST SpaceMobile. These first five satellites are built on the success of our in-orbit BlueWalker 3 satellite and will provide U.S. nationwide non-continuous service with over 5,600 cells in premium low-band spectrum, with a planned 10-fold increase in processing bandwidth," said Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile.

"Completing the manufacturing, assembly, and environmental testing for these satellites represents a significant milestone in our mission to bridge the digital divide and deliver connectivity to those who need it most. We are eager to see these pioneering satellites take flight and begin laying the foundation for our global cellular broadband network."

The Bluebird satellites have been thoroughly tested to ensure they meet the rigorous demands of space operations. They are now in the final stages of preparation for their shipment to Cape Canaveral, set for the first week of August. Continued monitoring and final testing will proceed up to their integration with the launch vehicle. As of July 18th, a contracted 7-day launch window has been set for September. The specific launch date will be confirmed closer to the window and communicated to the public.

These dates align with prior guidance to deliver the satellites in July or August, with an orbital launch to follow soon after. The timing of satellite delivery and launch is subject to various factors, including final testing, regulatory approvals, confirmation of the launch date by the provider, logistics, weather conditions, and other variables beyond our control.

In the first half of 2024, AST SpaceMobile secured further strategic investments from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone, along with a new contract with the United States Government through a prime contractor. The company has agreements with over 45 mobile network operators globally, covering more than 2.8 billion subscribers. These partners include Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Millicom, Smartfren, Telecom Argentina, MTN, Telstra, Africell, Liberty Latin America, and others. AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada are also existing investors in AST SpaceMobile.