AST SpaceMobile Secures Launch Contract for 45 ‘Direct-to-Cell’ Satellites

An artist's impression of AST SpaceMobile's satellite providing 'Direct-to-Cell' service. / AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile, a U.S. startup, announced on November 14 that it has signed a contract to secure launch vehicles for launching 45 'Direct-to-Cell' satellites.

The launch vehicles secured include India's GSLV, SpaceX's Falcon 9, and Blue Origin's New Glenn. The company plans to launch satellites necessary to provide text, voice, and 5G data services in the U.S. and other major markets between 2025 and 2026 using these rockets.

The satellites to be launched under this contract are the 'Block 2 BlueBird' model, which are larger and more powerful compared to the 'Block 1 BlueBird' model launched into low Earth orbit last September.

The in-orbit size of the 'Block 2 BlueBird' model is about 223 square meters, significantly larger than the 64 square meters of the 'Block 1 BlueBird.'

Its performance is also impressive. The 'Block 2 BlueBird' satellites, equipped with semiconductors developed by AST, provide a processing bandwidth of up to 10 gigahertz, which is ten times that of the 'Block 1 BlueBird.' In addition, the 'Block 2 BlueBird' satellite supports data speeds of up to 120 megabits per second (Mbps).

India's GSLV rocket will be used for the launch of the first 'Block 2 BlueBird' satellite. Only one satellite will be carried on this rocket, and the launch schedule has not yet been disclosed.

Following that, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will be used twice, carrying four 'Block 2 BlueBird' satellites per launch.

Next, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket will be used to carry eight satellites at a time.

Abel Avellan, CEO of AST SpaceMobile, stated in September that 45 to 60 satellites would be needed to provide continuous service across the United States.

In the long term, the company plans to deploy 168 satellites into orbit to provide continuous 'Direct-to-Cell' service globally.