AST SpaceMobile schedule 3 satellites to launch in June

AST SpaceMobile, the company that is building a satellite network designed for direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity for mobile devices, has announced that it will be launching 3 new satellites in June. Liftoff is targeted for 2:39 am on June 17th, onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The three satellites, known as BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 will help grow the AST SpaceMobile network. The most recent launch by AST SpaceMobile of BlueBird 7 failed as the launch vehicle was not able to place the satellite into a high enough orbit, and it was therefore planned to be de-orbited.

“Our upcoming launch marks another important milestone as we continue advancing the deployment of our space-based cellular broadband network. Each BlueBird satellite launched expands our ability to support seamless space-based broadband mobile connectivity directly to everyday smartphones. Our next-generation BlueBird satellites, the largest phase-arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit, together with our expanding manufacturing capabilities, position AST SpaceMobile to continue scaling toward continuous global space-based cellular broadband coverage supported by a diversified launch strategy.”

Scott Wisniewski, President, AST SpaceMobile

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile created the European joint venture Satellite Connect Europe to offer AST’s direct-to-device satellite broadband to mobile operators, with European ground infrastructure including UK build-out, while VodafoneThree is due to run UK customer trials in summer 2026 focused on remote and hard-to-reach areas. Ofcom has previously approved VodafoneThree to use its 900 MHz spectrum to offer D2D services to mobile devices.