AST SpaceMobile shifts three BlueBird launches to SpaceX Falcon 9
Updated
Updated · satnews.com · May 7
AST SpaceMobile shifts three BlueBird launches to SpaceX Falcon 9
12 articles · Updated · satnews.com · May 7
The mid-June 2026 mission follows BlueBird 7's loss after Blue Origin's New Glenn NG-3 failed on 19 April and was grounded by the FAA.
AST says the three Block 2 satellites are vital to keep deployment on track and support more than $1.2bn in contracted revenue commitments.
The company is targeting 45 to 60 operational satellites by end-2026 for continuous service, while competing with SpaceX's Starlink Direct-to-Cell and awaiting New Glenn's return to flight.
After a rival's rocket failure, can AST's pivot to SpaceX challenge Starlink's dominance in the direct-to-phone race?
Is AST SpaceMobile's giant satellite technology a true game-changer, or an expensive gamble in a market plagued by delays?