AST SpaceMobile Launches BlueBird 6, Largest Satellite Yet

AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based startup, successfully launched its largest satellite to date, the BlueBird 6, on December 23, 2023, at 22:25 ET. This satellite, lifted into orbit aboard India’s LVM3 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center, marks a significant advancement in the company’s mission to establish a space-based cellular broadband network. BlueBird 6 is the first of a new generation of satellites designed to provide direct cellular connectivity accessible by standard cell phones.

New Heights in Satellite Technology

BlueBird 6 represents a remarkable leap in size and capability, being approximately three times larger than its predecessors and currently the largest commercial satellite in Earth’s orbit. The satellite is part of AST SpaceMobile’s ambitious plan to deploy a constellation of satellites that aims to compete with established players like SpaceX’s Starlink.

The company launched its first satellite, BlueWalker 3, in September 2022. This satellite demonstrated the feasibility of establishing cellular networks in space and successfully facilitated the first 5G phone call from space to a regular Samsung Galaxy S22 just a year later. Following this, AST SpaceMobile has introduced five additional satellites under the BlueBird name, with plans to send an additional 243 satellites into orbit.

The BlueBird 6 will expand its operational footprint significantly once it unfurls its solar array. The array will cover approximately 2,400 square feet (223 square meters), enhancing the satellite’s capabilities. Each of the next-generation satellites is engineered to support 10 gigahertz of bandwidth, delivering data speeds of up to 120 megabits per second per cellphone.

Competing in a Crowded Orbit

AST SpaceMobile aims to launch between 45 to 60 more satellites by the end of 2026, with an eye on offering 5G services across the United States and select international markets. Notably, SpaceX currently operates more than 9,000 satellites, accounting for around 60% of all satellites in orbit. Despite this, AST’s BlueBird satellites feature larger antennas, which may provide a competitive edge.

The rivalry between AST SpaceMobile and SpaceX has intensified, particularly following concerns raised by SpaceX about the sustainability of low Earth orbit due to the increasing number of satellites. In July 2023, SpaceX formally expressed its apprehensions to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), alleging that AST SpaceMobile posed a threat to orbital sustainability. In response, AST accused SpaceX of attempting to intimidate competitors and spreading misinformation.

As both companies continue to deploy satellites, the competition is not only reshaping the telecommunications landscape but also impacting the view of the night sky, as the increasing density of satellites becomes a concern for astronomers and space enthusiasts alike.

The launch of BlueBird 6 represents a pivotal moment for AST SpaceMobile, positioning it to challenge existing paradigms in satellite communications and broaden access to connectivity across the globe. The coming years will reveal whether AST can carve out its niche in a market dominated by SpaceX and other established satellite services.