AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) shares moved higher on Wednesday after the company successfully launched three of its largest communications satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The launch marked an important milestone in its effort to build a space-based cellular broadband network.
The launch sent BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 2:39 a.m. EDT.
Investors welcomed the development following a setback earlier this year when a previous satellite mission was lost after a failed launch involving Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket.
AST SpaceMobile shares gained 4% in trading following the successful deployment, while SpaceX shares moved lower, taking a breather after its blistering rally.
BlueBird launch advances network expansion
The latest satellites are the largest and most advanced spacecraft deployed by AST SpaceMobile to date.
Each satellite features an antenna array spanning approximately 2,400 square feet, making it among the largest commercial communications arrays placed into low Earth orbit.
The company said the Block 2 BlueBird satellites are designed to deliver peak data speeds of nearly 200 Mbps directly to standard smartphones.
That represents a significant improvement from the 98.9 Mbps peak download speeds achieved by the company’s first-generation Block 1 satellites.
AST SpaceMobile is developing a satellite network capable of connecting directly to existing 4G and 5G smartphones without requiring users to purchase specialized satellite hardware.
The company believes the technology will support voice calls, broadband internet access, and video services through space-based connectivity.
The launch increases AST SpaceMobile’s total satellite count in orbit to nine.
However, investors are expected to closely monitor the next phase of the mission, as confirmation that the satellites have successfully unfolded and are operating correctly may take several weeks.
SpaceX plays dual role as partner and competitor
The mission also highlights SpaceX’s dominant position in the commercial launch industry.
While SpaceX provided launch services for AST SpaceMobile, the companies are simultaneously competing in the rapidly developing direct-to-device satellite communications market.
SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile initiative aims to provide broadband-quality smartphone connectivity from space and is targeting commercial availability by the end of next year.
Despite the competitive dynamic, AST SpaceMobile continues to rely on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch capabilities as it builds its satellite constellation.
The successful launch also helps ease concerns that emerged following the failed Blue Origin mission in April, which raised questions about AST SpaceMobile’s ability to reach its goal of placing at least 45 satellites into orbit by the end of the year.
Commercial ambitions continue to grow
AST SpaceMobile said BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 are already being prepared for shipment to Cape Canaveral ahead of future launches.
The company also confirmed that next-generation satellites through BlueBird 37 are currently in production and assembly at its facilities in Midland, Texas.
AST SpaceMobile operates more than 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operations facilities worldwide and employs over 2,250 people.
The company said it holds more than 3,900 patents and patent-pending claims.
The company has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators representing more than 3 billion subscribers globally, including partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.
Founder, Chairman, and CEO Abel Avellan said the launch represents “the continued execution of a vision once considered impossible: space-based cellular broadband to everyone, everywhere.”
As AST SpaceMobile continues expanding its constellation and preparing for commercial service, investors remain focused on whether the company can successfully scale deployment and deliver direct-to-smartphone connectivity at a global level.