AST SpaceMobile successfully launched its Block 2 satellite, BlueBird 6, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The satellite entered a low‑Earth orbit and is now operational, marking a critical step toward the company’s goal of delivering cellular‑grade broadband directly to unmodified smartphones worldwide.
BlueBird 6 carries a 2,400‑square‑foot phased‑array antenna, the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in low‑Earth orbit. The antenna is roughly three times the size of the company’s earlier BlueBird 1‑5 satellites, giving the new satellite about ten times the data capacity of its predecessors and enabling the high‑throughput, low‑latency service that AST SpaceMobile promises to its partners.
The launch strengthens AST SpaceMobile’s position in the emerging direct‑to‑device satellite internet market. By expanding its constellation, the company can provide continuous coverage and reduce the number of satellites needed to achieve global reach. Existing partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, and Rakuten give the company a ready customer base, while the larger antenna and higher capacity help secure new agreements and accelerate the rollout of 4G/5G services to consumers and enterprises.
Founder, Chairman and CEO Abel Avellan said, “BlueBird 6 is a breakthrough moment for AST SpaceMobile. This launch validates years of U.S. innovation and American manufacturing, executed by our team, and marks the transition to scaled deployment. With BlueBird 6 now in orbit, we are firmly on the path to delivering true space‑based cellular broadband directly to everyday smartphones, at a global scale.” The statement underscores the company’s confidence in its technology and its ability to execute a rapid constellation build‑out.
Investors and analysts viewed the launch as a key de‑risking event. The successful deployment of a Block 2 satellite confirmed the company’s technical capabilities and reinforced confidence in its roadmap to launch 45‑60 satellites by the end of 2026. The event also validated the company’s partnerships and the commercial viability of its direct‑to‑phone service, which differentiates it from other satellite‑internet providers such as Starlink.
Looking ahead, AST SpaceMobile plans to continue expanding its manufacturing footprint in the United States and to secure additional launch contracts with ISRO and other providers. The company’s focus on in‑house production and its growing constellation are expected to drive future revenue growth, while the need for continued investment in satellite manufacturing and launch services will shape its capital allocation strategy. The launch of BlueBird 6 therefore represents both a milestone and a foundation for the company’s long‑term growth trajectory.
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