AST SpaceMobile successfully launched its largest satellite, BlueBird 6, on December 23, 2023, at 22:25 ET. This satellite, which lifted off aboard India’s LVM3 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center, marks a significant milestone in the startup’s efforts to establish a space-based cellular broadband network directly accessible by standard cell phones.
With BlueBird 6, AST SpaceMobile is set to challenge SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently dominates the satellite internet market. The new satellite is approximately three times larger than its predecessors and is now the largest commercial satellite in Earth orbit.
Breaking New Ground in Satellite Connectivity
BlueBird 6 is the first of AST’s next-generation constellation, which aims to expand cellular coverage from space. The initial satellite, BlueWalker 3, was launched in September 2022 and successfully conducted the first 5G phone call from space using a standard Samsung Galaxy S22. Since then, AST has deployed five additional BlueBird satellites and plans to launch a total of 243 satellites into orbit.
Once fully deployed, BlueBird 6 will unfurl an impressive array stretching across 2,400 square feet (approximately 223 square meters), a significant upgrade from its predecessor’s 693 square feet (about 64 square meters). This expansion is expected to enhance the satellite’s capabilities, allowing it to support 10 gigahertz of bandwidth with speeds of up to 120 megabytes per second per device.
AST SpaceMobile intends to launch between 45 and 60 more next-generation satellites by the end of 2026, primarily targeting markets in the United States and beyond.
Competitive Landscape and Industry Challenges
Despite the ambitious plans, AST SpaceMobile faces stiff competition from SpaceX, which currently operates over 9,000 satellites, accounting for around 60% of all satellites in orbit. While SpaceX’s Starlink has a larger number of satellites, the BlueBirds are designed with larger antennas, providing a unique advantage. Additionally, AST plans to offer a direct-to-cell service that requires no extra hardware, potentially simplifying access for consumers.
Tensions between the two companies have escalated in recent months. In July 2023, SpaceX expressed concerns to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about AST SpaceMobile’s impact on the sustainability of low Earth orbit. AST has accused SpaceX of attempting to intimidate competitors, following a letter sent to the FCC last year alleging that AST was spreading misinformation to undermine SpaceX’s operations.
As both companies continue their rivalry, the increasing number of satellites in orbit raises concerns about congestion and visibility of the night sky. The competition between AST SpaceMobile and SpaceX is set to shape the future of satellite connectivity, with implications for consumers and the broader telecommunications landscape.
