AST SpaceMobile took the next step in its mission to revolutionize global communications by deploying its first set of commercial satellites in Earth’s orbit. The Texas-based company, known for its work in space-based cellular broadband technology, is competing with SpaceX’s Starlink service. This latest stage extends the promise of accessible, high-speed internet access to unmodified smartphones, an achievement making AST SpaceMobile a key player in the satellite communication industry.
On Friday, AST SpaceMobile CEO Abel Avellan shared an update via Twitter, showcasing an image taken from one of the company’s newly deployed “BlueBird” satellites. He expressed optimism about the satellite’s progress, stating, “The first BlueBird is getting ready to operate.” This marks a crucial step for AST, as last month, the company successfully launched five BlueBird satellites into space.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
The satellites launched by AST SpaceMobile are unique due to their massive size—each satellite features a 700-square-foot antenna array, making them the largest commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit. These massive satellites were compactly packed for launch, but they are now being unfolded in orbit as they circle the Earth, ready to begin initial tests. The large size of the satellites is a key factor in their ability to provide cellular broadband directly to everyday smartphones, which is the company’s primary objective.
The next step for AST SpaceMobile will involve testing the satellites’ equipment, with a potential beta test set for December. The company has partnered with major telecom providers AT&T and Verizon for this test, which could set the stage for broader commercial applications. However, while the satellites are in orbit, the company is still awaiting full regulatory approval from the FCC to begin beta testing and to commercially operate the satellites.
Despite the progress, AST SpaceMobile faces some hurdles. The initial launch of five satellites will only provide limited coverage, with two short communication windows each day in the United States. To build a more robust service, the company will need to launch many more satellites. Future plans include deploying next-generation BlueBird satellites, which are expected to be three times larger and offer ten times the capacity of the current satellites. However, the company’s expansion plans could face resistance from astronomers who are concerned that the large satellites might interfere with night sky observations due to light reflection.
TF Summary: What’s Next
AST SpaceMobile’s satellite deployment marks an exciting development in the race to provide space-based cellular broadband. As the company continues to work toward regulatory approvals and prepares for beta testing, the potential impact on global communications is enormous. The success of these early tests could propel AST into the forefront of satellite-based internet services, but the company will need to address both technical and regulatory challenges to fully realize its ambitions.
TF predicts the expansion of AST’s satellite network and telecom provider collaborations that build a viable service. AST SpaceMobile is poised to compete with established players (i.e., SpaceX), but much success will depend on the satellites’ performance and addressing any technical issues and regulatory pushback.
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