AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based startup, has successfully launched its largest satellite, BlueBird 6, marking a significant advancement in its mission to create a space-based cellular broadband network. The satellite lifted off aboard India’s LVM3 rocket on December 23, 2023, at 10:25 p.m. ET from the Satish Dhawan Space Center. This launch positions AST SpaceMobile to directly compete with SpaceX’s Starlink in providing connectivity from space.
BlueBird 6 is notable for its size, measuring approximately three times larger than previous models. With this satellite, AST SpaceMobile aims to establish the first cellular network accessible directly by mobile phones without the need for additional equipment. The company’s efforts have gained momentum since the launch of its first satellite, BlueWalker 3, in September 2022, which tested the feasibility of establishing cell towers in orbit.
Advancements in Satellite Technology
Astoundingly, when BlueWalker 3 successfully deployed its array in space, it became significantly brighter, outshining many other objects in the night sky. Its array, spanning 693 square feet (about 64 square meters), allowed for the first 5G phone call to be made from space to a standard Samsung Galaxy S22.
With the introduction of BlueBird 6, the satellite’s array is expected to expand to an impressive 2,400 square feet (approximately 223 square meters45 and 60 additional satellites by the end of 2026, aiming to provide 5G data services across the United States and other initial markets.
Each BlueBird satellite is designed to support 10 gigahertz of bandwidth and provide speeds of up to 120 megabytes per second per cellphone. While SpaceX operates over 9,000 satellites—representing around 60% of all satellites in orbit—AST SpaceMobile’s models feature larger antennas, potentially giving them a competitive edge.
Industry Rivalry and Future Prospects
The competition between AST SpaceMobile and SpaceX has intensified, with both companies striving to dominate the satellite communications market. Earlier in July, SpaceX raised concerns with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), claiming that AST SpaceMobile’s operations might threaten the sustainability of low Earth orbit. In response, AST has accused SpaceX of attempting to intimidate competitors and spreading misinformation regarding its capabilities.
As both companies continue to launch satellites into orbit, the implications for the future of satellite technology and communication are profound. The rivalry not only affects business strategies but also influences global connectivity, as these satellites fill the skies and impact our view of the universe. The successful launch of BlueBird 6 represents a pivotal moment for AST SpaceMobile, as it seeks to establish itself as a formidable player in the expanding field of space-based communications.
