AST SpaceMobile, the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today announced its selection by the Space Development Agency (SDA) for an Other Transaction (OT) agreement to compete for upcoming prototype demonstration projects under the Hybrid Acquisition for proliferated Low-earth Orbit (HALO) program.

The HALO program is a strategic initiative designed to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced space technologies. With this program, the SDA aims to foster competition, drive innovation, and rapidly deliver cutting-edge capabilities to the Department of Defense (DoD).

AST SpaceMobile’s selection reflects the company’s strong track record in innovating space-based technologies and its alignment with the SDA’s mission. The company will now have the opportunity to compete directly as a prime contractor for specific prototype orders, demonstrating the feasibility and scalability of its technology for various government applications.

AST SpaceMobile’s unique technology, featuring the largest commercial phased arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit, derived from over 3,450 patents and patent-pending claims, enables its satellites to serve both communications and non-communications applications. This unique capability offers significant advantages in terms of coverage, reliability, and security, with a technology that could enable a variety of government use cases, described often as “dual-use” technologies.

“This initial contract validates our commitment to developing innovative solutions for national security space needs,” said Chris Ivory, AST SpaceMobile Chief Commercial Officer and Head of its Government Business Unit. “Our space-based cellular broadband technology has the potential to enhance SDA’s stated mission at the transport, tracking, and ground layers in a secure and reliable way.”

Source: BUSINESS WIRE