AST SpaceMobile, the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, announced the successful orbital launch of its BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 satellites.

The BlueBird 8, 9, 10 mission lifted off at 2:39 EDT on Wednesday, June 17, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, marking another important milestone in AST SpaceMobile’s continued network deployment enabling true space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to everyday smartphones.

BlueBirds 8, 9 and 10 satellites are the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit, measuring approximately 2,400 square feet. Their expansive antenna arrays enable direct, reliable connectivity to standard smartphones, with high power generation in orbit. The result is more targeted coverage, reduced interference, increased capacity and seamless cellular broadband experience. These next-generation satellites are designed to deliver nearly double the peak data speeds of the company's initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites, which recently achieved peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones, supporting voice, broadband data and video applications from space.

“BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 represent the continued execution of a vision once considered impossible: space-based cellular broadband to everyone, everywhere” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “Our team has built a new class of space-based cellular broadband technology that connects seamlessly to everyday smartphones. This is a fundamental transformation of how the world connects. We invented this market, and we are executing and advancing our network to make global, space-based cellular broadband a reality.”

“This first stacked launch is just the beginning,” Avellan added. “BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 will ship shortly for our next launch, while next-generation BlueBird satellites through BlueBird 37 are already in active production and assembly Our focus is firmly on execution: scaling launch cadence, manufacturing, and preparing for commercial service.”

Each launch advances the company’s goal of delivering seamless, space-based cellular broadband integrated with terrestrial mobile networks, leveraging a flexible spectrum strategy across both partner and AST SpaceMobile spectrum, together with standard 4G and 5G devices. BlueBird satellites are assembled, integrated, and tested at AST SpaceMobile’s facilities in Midland Texas, reflecting the company’s commitment to U.S.-based innovation and manufacturing. AST SpaceMobile now operates over 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operations facilities worldwide, supported by a 2,250+ workforce, and a technology platform backed by over 3,900 patents and patent-pending claims.

As the constellation grows, the company progresses toward initial service activation and continuous coverage across key markets, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, in collaboration with leading mobile network operators AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Bell, Telus, and stc Group, as well as the U.S. Government and other strategic markets. AST SpaceMobile has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators globally representing more than 3 billion subscribers combined, together with strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.

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