AST SpaceMobile

APublic (NASDAQ: ASTS)Founded 2017🇺🇸Midland, Texas

CEO

Abel Avellan

Overview

AST SpaceMobile is building a direct-to-cell satellite network designed to connect standard smartphones to space-based 4G and 5G service without special hardware. After proving the concept with BlueWalker 3 and launching BlueBird 1-6, the company entered 2026 with seven satellites in orbit, more than 50 mobile-network-operator partners covering nearly 3 billion subscribers, and its first meaningful revenue from gateway deliveries, MNO milestones, and government work. BlueBird 7 was lost after an April 2026 New Glenn upper-stage issue, but AST says BlueBird 8-10 are next in the queue and it is still targeting about 45 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026.

Main Products

BlueBird Constellation

In Development

Space-based cellular broadband network using BlueBird satellites with massive phased array antennas (up to ~2,400 sq ft on Block 2 satellites). Connects directly to standard, unmodified 4G LTE and 5G smartphones — no special handset required. Block 2 satellites (starting with BlueBird 6) weigh ~6,100 kg and can deliver up to 120 Mbps. The full constellation of ~90 satellites will provide continuous global coverage, eliminating cellular dead zones worldwide.

7 satellites are currently in orbit, with BlueBird 1-5 enabling non-continuous service tests and BlueBird 6 validating the larger Block 2 architecture. BlueBird 7 will be deorbited after a launch-vehicle insertion anomaly, and AST is targeting roughly 45 satellites by the end of 2026.

Satellites in Orbit7

Target Constellation~90 satellites (continuous global)

Block 2 Antenna Size~2,400 sq ft

Max Speed (Block 2)Up to 120 Mbps

Orbital Altitude~500–527 km

What's Next

Recover launch cadence after BlueBird 7 loss

Ship BlueBird 8-10, keep an average orbital launch every one to two months, and rebuild momentum toward roughly 45 satellites in orbit after BlueBird 7 was lost in a launch-vehicle insertion anomaly.

End of 2026

Launch Canadian commercial service with TELUS

Begin text, voice, and data coverage in remote Canadian regions through the new TELUS partnership, using standard smartphones and TELUS-backed ground infrastructure.

Late 2026

Complete HALO Europa tactical satcom demonstrations

Deliver SDA's Europa Track 2 demonstration using AST's commercial satellites for tactical direct-to-device communications, establishing AST SpaceMobile USA as a repeatable defense contractor.

By Dec 2027

Operations & Revenue

StatusActive

7 satellites are in orbit after BlueBird 7 was lost in a lower-than-planned orbit following the April 2026 New Glenn launch. BlueBird 1-5 support non-continuous coverage tests, BlueBird 6 validates the larger Block 2 architecture, and AST says BlueBird 8-10 are expected to ship next while it still targets roughly 45 satellites in orbit by year-end 2026.

Revenue Streams

MNO Revenue Sharing

Gateway hardware, software, milestone payments, and future service revenue from carrier partners such as AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, and other mobile network operators extending coverage with direct-to-cell satellite service.

Government & Defense

Prototype contracts, milestone payments, and follow-on opportunities with U.S. defense and government customers using AST's dual-use BlueBird constellation for resilient tactical communications.

Enterprise Direct Connectivity

Remote-area voice, messaging, and broadband sold through operator partners for customers that need coverage beyond terrestrial towers, including field operations, travel, and emergency response.

Key Metrics

Employees

~1,126

Est. Annual Revenue

$150M-$200M guided for 2026, with upside from initial commercial service revenue

Satellites in Orbit

7 (BlueWalker 3 + BlueBird 1-6)

MNO Partners

50+ (~3B subscribers)

Q1 2026 Revenue

$14.7M

2026 Revenue Guidance

$150M-$200M

Timeline

2026Raises $1.075B of new convertible notes

In February 2026 AST issues $1.075B of 2.25% convertible notes to fund constellation deployment, U.S. government opportunities, debt reduction, and opportunistic investments.

2026Wins first AST-led SDA prime contract

SDA awards AST SpaceMobile USA a $30M HALO Europa prototype agreement, marking the company's first prime contract and expanding AST's role in defense communications.

2026TELUS signs Canada commercial agreement

TELUS signs a commercial agreement to bring AST's direct-to-cell service across Canada and becomes an equity shareholder, with text, voice, and data service targeted for late 2026.

2026BlueBird 7 lost after New Glenn insertion anomaly

Blue Origin's third New Glenn mission reuses and lands its booster, but places AST's BlueBird 7 satellite into a lower-than-planned orbit; AST says the satellite will be deorbited and that BlueBird 8-10 remain the next launch candidates.

2025BlueBird 6 launched; $2.6B+ raised

Launches BlueBird 6 on December 23, 2025 — the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in LEO. Google invests $203.3M. stc group signs 10-year agreement with $175M prepayment. Raises $1.575B in convertible notes across two offerings. Total liquidity reaches $3.9B.

2024BlueBird 1-5 launched; major partnerships secured

Launches first 5 commercial BlueBird satellites on September 12, 2024. Secures $100M Verizon partnership and Vodafone commercial contract through 2034.

2023First space-based call to unmodified smartphone

Achieves the first-ever two-way voice call from space to a standard, unmodified smartphone on April 25, 2023 — a historic milestone for direct-to-cell satellite communications.

2022BlueWalker 3 prototype launched

Launches BlueWalker 3, a prototype satellite with a massive 64 sq meter phased array antenna, on September 10, 2022. The satellite successfully deploys the largest commercial communications array ever in LEO.

2021IPO via SPAC merger

AST SpaceMobile goes public through a SPAC merger with New Providence Acquisition Corp, raising $462M. Trades on NASDAQ under ticker ASTS.

2017Founded by Abel Avellan

Abel Avellan founds AST SpaceMobile with the goal of building a space-based cellular network that works with standard smartphones, eliminating coverage dead zones worldwide.

Funding

Round	Date	Amount	Investors
Series B	Mar 2020	$110M	Vodafone, Rakuten
SPAC IPO	Apr 2021	$462M	New Providence Acquisition Corp
Strategic Investment	Jan-May 2024	$145M	AT&T, Google, Vodafone, Verizon
Convertible Notes	Jan 2025	$460M	Institutional investors
Google Investment + Convertible Notes	Jul 2025	$778.3M	Google ($203.3M), institutional investors ($575M)
Convertible Notes	Oct 2025	$1.15B	Institutional investors
Convertible Notes	Feb 2026	$1.075B	Institutional investors