SpaceX successfully launched AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 1-5 mission, marking a significant milestone for the smartphone broadband provider.
The five BlueBird satellites, which represent AST SpaceMobile’s first commercial foray into space-based cellular connectivity, were launched early Thursday, September 12 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 4:52 a.m. EDT (0852 GMT).
The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage made a successful return to Earth, landing vertically at Cape Canaveral’s Landing Zone 1 roughly 7.5 minutes after liftoff. This marked the 13th successful launch and landing for this particular booster. The rocket’s upper stage deployed the BlueBird satellites into low Earth orbit as planned, with the deployment occurring over a 14-minute period starting approximately 54 minutes post-launch.
The BlueBird satellites, each weighing about 3,300 pounds, are equipped with the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in space. Each satellite’s antenna spans 693 square feet when unfolded, tying the record set by the BlueWalker 3 prototype that was launched in September 2022. Unlike the BlueWalker 3, which was a prototype, the BlueBird satellites are operational and are the first in AST SpaceMobile’s planned constellation aimed at providing direct cellular service to smartphones.
Abel Avellan, founder, chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, highlighted the significance of the launch, emphasizing its role in advancing global cellular connectivity. The company’s future plans include a constellation of up to 168 satellites, with upcoming models being significantly larger. AST SpaceMobile is already in the process of producing 17 “Block 2” BlueBird satellites, which will feature even larger communications arrays of 2,400 square feet.
The successful deployment of the BlueBird satellites is a pivotal step for AST SpaceMobile, which aims to enhance cellular coverage and reduce connectivity gaps, particularly in remote areas. This mission follows the company’s earlier launch of the BlueWalker 3 prototype and is part of its broader strategy to establish a comprehensive space-based broadband network.
While the launch was a notable achievement for AST SpaceMobile, it also generated some concern among astronomers and dark-sky advocates. The BlueWalker 3 satellite, for instance, has been one of the brightest objects in the night sky, raising issues related to light pollution and the impact on astronomical observations.
SpaceX, which has its own extensive satellite broadband network through its Starlink project, continues to be a key player in the space-based communication sector. Despite being competitors in the satellite internet space, both companies are making significant strides in expanding global connectivity.
With input from Space.com, Market Watch, Spaceflight Now.
