Original article ISPreview UK:Read More
Satellite operator AST SpaceMobile, which is working with Joint Venture (SatCo) partner Vodafone to launch a space-based 4G and 5G mobile (mobile broadband) service to connect with everyday Smartphones on the ground, has announced that their first commercial BlueBird 6 spacecraft will launch on 15th December from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (India).
Just to recap. Over the past few years’ AST SpaceMobile has conducted several trials of the new platform, including via their prototype 1.5-ton BlueWalker 3 satellite (here) that orbits at an altitude of a little over 500km and features a huge 693-square-foot (64.4-square-meter) phased array antenna (here). The satellite was specifically designed for sending and receiving mobile signals between the space-based platform and regular mobile handsets.
The platform was originally developed with support from Vodafone and thus nobody was surprised to see the pair signing a long-term commercial agreement at the end of 2024 (here), which will run until at least 2034. This will support AST’s efforts toward launching a total of 100 similar satellites (BlueBirds) over the next few years (future models will be larger and more capable).
BlueBird 6 will be the first of AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation satellites, which features the largest commercial phased array in low Earth orbit at nearly 2,400 square feet. This represents a 3.5 times increase in size over BlueBirds 1-5 and supports 10 times the data capacity. Admittedly, this is also something that may be giving both radio and observational astronomers a few sleepless nights, as such things risk disrupting their research work.
Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, said:
“Our next-generation satellites will soon enable ubiquitous cellular broadband coverage direct to everyday smartphones from space. As an American company, we are proud to demonstrate U.S. leadership in space innovation while pioneering the next era of global connectivity.”
The company added that they’re now “accelerating production” with 40 satellites on track to be completed by early 2026. The company expects five orbital launches by the end of Q1 2026, with launches occurring every one to two months on average, to reach 45–60 satellites launched by the end of 2026 and support continuous coverage across the United States and select markets.
The first commercial services are still expected to launch in 2026, although it’s currently too early to say precisely how much related mobile roaming / add-on plans will cost in the UK, USA and other countries. But the new SatCo will also be going up against a similar Direct to Cell (DtC) service from Starlink (SpaceX). A number of other satellite networks are also looking to introduce similar functionality in the near future.
Members of the public will be able to watch a live broadcast on the launch day on AST SpaceMobile’s YouTube channel.