AST SpaceMobile Confirms Successful Launch of BlueWalker 3 Into Orbit

Rhea-AI Summary

AST SpaceMobile has achieved a significant milestone by successfully placing BlueWalker 3 into orbit on September 10, 2022. Engineers confirmed communication with the satellite shortly after launch, indicating it is on a stable trajectory. The company aims to revolutionize mobile connectivity for over 1.8 billion subscribers worldwide using its space-based cellular broadband technology. BlueWalker 3 is currently being monitored from global mission control centers while preparations for the next satellite phase, BlueBirds, are underway.

Positive

• Successful launch of BlueWalker 3 satellite.
• Immediate confirmation of satellite communication post-launch.
• Supports a portfolio of over 2,400 patent claims.
• Engagements with over 25 Mobile Network Operators covering 1.8 billion subscribers.

Negative

• In-orbit operations are dependent on technical contingencies.
• Potential for additional costs and delays if satellite testing reveals issues.

Engineers Have Established Communication, Stabilized and Taken Control of the Test Satellite

MIDLAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones, has confirmed the successful placement of BlueWalker 3 into space.

AST SpaceMobile has confirmed the successful placement of BlueWalker 3 into space. (Photo: Business Wire)

The BlueWalker 3 test satellite successfully launched on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at 9:20 pm EDT from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Engineers made contact with BlueWalker 3 less than an hour after take-off, confirming its trajectory.

"BlueWalker 3 is on course and securely circling the earth," said Scott Wisniewski, Chief Strategy Officer of AST SpaceMobile. "The satellite is thermally stable and communicating directly with ground stations. Our team is now operating from three global mission control centers, including Maryland, Colorado and Australia, where we are directly receiving data from BlueWalker 3."

AST SpaceMobile broadcasted live from launch pad 39A before lifting off, interviewing key partners from American Tower, Vodafone Group and Nokia. Replays of the show’s executive interviews, including Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile Abel Avellan, can be found on the company’s YouTube page.

“A major achievement in our mission to connect the unconnected has been accomplished," said Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “We are working hard to ensure that no one becomes a second-class citizen, regardless of where they live or work, because of their lack of access to cellular broadband.”

AST SpaceMobile has a portfolio of more than 2,400 patent- and patent-pending claims supporting its space-based cellular broadband technology, with agreements and understandings with over 25 Mobile Network Operators ("MNOs") globally, who collectively provide service to over 1.8 billion subscribers. MNOs in the mission's test plans include Vodafone Group, Rakuten Mobile, AT&T, Orange, and others.

AST SpaceMobile continues preparations for the assembly and production of the next phase of satellites called BlueBirds in Texas. Once BlueWalker 3 is operational following in-orbit testing and configuration, testing is planned with MNOs and equipment providers on all 6 inhabited continents.

In-orbit operations and deployment of the BlueWalker 3 satellite is subject to numerous contingencies and technical factors, which must occur successfully to enable the mission's goal of testing direct-to-cell phone broadband connectivity. These factors include, but are not limited to, opening of the satellite's phased array and in orbit operation of the satellite's hardware and software systems.

Follow AST SpaceMobile on social media and the company's website for further updates on BlueWalker 3’s journey and future progress. For an explanation of how BlueWalker 3 works, watch this video.

About AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.

Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of AST SpaceMobile to differ materially from those expected and projected. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “continue,” or “should,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology.

These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside AST SpaceMobile’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expectations regarding AST SpaceMobile’s strategies and future financial performance, including AST’s future business plans or objectives, expected functionality of the SpaceMobile Service, anticipated timing and level of deployment of satellites, anticipated demand and acceptance of mobile satellite services, prospective performance and commercial opportunities and competitors, the timing of obtaining regulatory approvals, ability to finance its research and development activities, commercial partnership acquisition and retention, products and services, pricing, marketing plans, operating expenses, market trends, revenues, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and AST’s ability to invest in growth initiatives; (ii) the negotiation of definitive agreements with mobile network operators relating to the SpaceMobile service that would supersede preliminary agreements and memoranda of understanding; (iii) the ability of AST SpaceMobile to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees and AST SpaceMobile’s responses to actions of its competitors and its ability to effectively compete; (iv) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (v) the possibility that AST SpaceMobile may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against AST SpaceMobile; and (vii) other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including those in the Risk Factors section of AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022.

The planned deployment and testing of the BW3 test satellite may not be completed due to a variety of factors, which could include loss of satellite connectivity, destruction of the satellite, deployment failure of the phased array, hardware or software system failures, or other communication failures, and even if completed, the BW3 testing may indicate adjustments that are needed or modifications that must be made, any of which could result in additional costs, which could be material, and delays in commercializing our service. If there are delays or issues with our testing, it may become more costly to raise capital, if we are able to do so at all.

AST SpaceMobile cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. AST SpaceMobile cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors incorporated by reference into AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022. AST SpaceMobile’s securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, AST SpaceMobile disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220913006326/en/

Investor:

Scott Wisniewski

investors@ast-science.com



Media:

Brandyn Bissinger

press@ast-science.com

+1 866 845 6521

Source: AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3 launch on September 10, 2022?

The launch of BlueWalker 3 marks a crucial step for AST SpaceMobile in establishing a space-based cellular broadband network that aims to connect billions of unconnected users.

How does BlueWalker 3 communicate with ground stations?

BlueWalker 3 has successfully established communication with ground stations, confirming its operational stability shortly after launch.

What is the role of Mobile Network Operators in AST SpaceMobile's mission?

AST SpaceMobile collaborates with over 25 Mobile Network Operators globally to leverage their infrastructure and reach around 1.8 billion subscribers.

What challenges does AST SpaceMobile face with BlueWalker 3's in-orbit operations?

In-orbit operations are subject to technical factors that could affect the satellite's performance and the overall success of the broadband connectivity testing.