Next-generation satellites expand AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular broadband network for commercial and government applications

BlueBird satellites are the largest communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit, expected to support peak data rates approaching 200 Mbps directly to everyday smartphones

BlueBirds 14, 15, and 16 are preparing for the next mission, with production advancing through BlueBird satellite 42

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 the successful orbital launch of its BlueBird satellites 11, 12, and 13.

The mission lifted off at 3:42 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, expanding AST SpaceMobile’s growing constellation of next-generation BlueBird satellites following the successful launch and deployment of BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10. With BlueBirds 14, 15, and 16 preparing for the next mission and production advancing through BlueBird satellite 42, the company continues to execute its constellation deployment program at scale.

BlueBird satellites 11, 12, and 13 are the largest communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit, more than three times the size of the company’s five initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites. The large apertures and advanced beamforming capabilities enable greater targeted coverage, reduced interference, and increased capacity, supporting reliable cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard, unmodified smartphones. These next-generation satellites are expected to deliver peak data rates approaching 200 Mbps, nearly double the 98.9 Mbps achieved by the company’s five initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites, supporting voice, broadband data, and video applications from space.

“The successful launch of BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 demonstrates the progress of a space-based cellular broadband network built for scale,” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “We are repeatedly building and deploying the largest phased arrays in low Earth orbit. Our unique technology is designed to provide broadband for direct-to-device but is increasingly serving as a platform for additional capabilities. We remain focused on scaling our cellular broadband network as we prepare for beta services later this year.”

Each launch advances the company’s goal of delivering seamless, space-based cellular broadband integrated with terrestrial mobile networks, leveraging a flexible spectrum strategy across both partner and AST SpaceMobile spectrum, together with standard 4G and 5G devices.

As the constellation grows, the company progresses toward initial service activation and continuous coverage across key markets including the United States, Canada, Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, as well as the U.S. Government and other strategic markets.

AST SpaceMobile has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators globally representing more than 3 billion subscribers combined, together with strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.

BlueBird satellites are assembled, integrated, and tested at AST SpaceMobile’s facilities in Midland Texas, reflecting the company’s commitment to U.S.-based innovation and manufacturing. AST SpaceMobile now operates over 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operations facilities worldwide, supported by a 2,250+ workforce, and a technology platform backed by over 3,900 patents and patent-pending claims.