AST SpaceMobile Inc (NASDAQ:ASTS) shares moved about 4% higher on Wednesday after the company announced the successful launch of three new BlueBird satellites, expanding its planned space-based cellular broadband network.
The satellites, designated BlueBirds 8, 9 and 10, were launched aboard a SpaceX Corp (NASDAQ:SPCX) Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 2:39 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
According to the company, the satellites are the largest commercial communications arrays deployed in low Earth orbit, with antenna arrays measuring about 2,400 square feet. AST SpaceMobile said the satellites are designed to provide direct connectivity to standard smartphones without requiring specialized equipment.
The company said the new Block 2 BlueBird satellites are expected to deliver peak data speeds of nearly 200 megabits per second, roughly double the performance target of its initial Block 1 satellites. Earlier this year, AST SpaceMobile reported peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps during testing of its first-generation satellites.
AST CEO Abel Avellan said the launch marks another step in the company's effort to build a global space-based cellular broadband network.
“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,” Avellan said. “We invented this market, and we are executing and advancing our network to make global, space-based cellular broadband a reality.”
He added that BlueBirds 11, 12 and 13 are being prepared for shipment ahead of a future launch, while satellites through BlueBird 37 are already in production and assembly.
AST SpaceMobile said the growing constellation is intended to support voice, data and video services directly to conventional 4G and 5G smartphones through partnerships with mobile network operators. The company has agreements with nearly 60 operators worldwide representing more than 3 billion subscribers, including AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Bell, Telus and stc Group.
The company said it is targeting initial service activation and expanded coverage across markets including the United States, Canada, Europe, Saudi Arabia and Japan as additional satellites are deployed.