BlueBird Constellation
Overview
Space-based cellular broadband network using BlueBird satellites with massive phased array antennas (up to about 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 about 6,100 kg. The FCC-licensed constellation of up to 248 satellites is the U.S. operating authority; AST still associates continuous coverage in key markets with a much smaller operational fleet.
13 satellites are in orbit after the 5 August 2026 Falcon 9 launch of BlueBird 11, 12 and 13. Advanced Television reported on 3 October 2026 that those three were performing nominally with arrays deployed, and that BlueBirds 14, 15 and 16 had left Midland for Cape Canaveral, with assembly through BlueBird 50. AST's next-gen BlueBird page still posts no launch date. The roughly-45-satellite continuous-coverage target remains early 2027 per the July 15, 2026 disclosure.