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AST SpaceMobile’s Commercial Satellites Arrive at Cape Canaveral For Upcoming Launch

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AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) has announced the arrival of its first five commercial BlueBird satellites at Cape Canaveral, Florida, ahead of a planned orbital launch in September. These satellites feature the largest-ever commercial communications arrays to be deployed in low Earth orbit, measuring 693 square feet. Building on the success of BlueWalker 3, the BlueBirds boast a tenfold increase in processing capacity.

The company aims to deliver global space-based cellular broadband directly to everyday smartphones, starting with non-continuous coverage across the continental United States using over 5,600 cells on premium low-band spectrum. AST SpaceMobile has secured strategic investments from major telecom companies and has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, representing over 2.8 billion existing subscribers.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) ha annunciato l'arrivo dei suoi primi cinque sateliti BlueBird commerciali a Cape Canaveral, Florida, in vista di un lancio orbitale previsto per settembre. Questi satelliti presentano le più grandi reti di comunicazione commerciali mai realizzate da dispiegare in bassa orbita terrestre, con una superficie di 693 piedi quadrati. A seguito del successo di BlueWalker 3, i BlueBird offrono un aumento della capacità di elaborazione di dieci volte.

L'azienda mira a fornire una rete cellulare globale basata nello spazio direttamente agli smartphone di uso quotidiano, partendo da una copertura non continua negli Stati Uniti continentali utilizzando oltre 5.600 celle su spettro a bassa frequenza. AST SpaceMobile ha assicurato investimenti strategici da importanti compagnie di telecomunicazioni e ha accordi con oltre 45 operatori di rete mobile a livello globale, che rappresentano oltre 2,8 miliardi di abbonati esistenti.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) ha anunciado la llegada de sus primeros cinco satélites BlueBird comerciales a Cabo Cañaveral, Florida, antes de un lanzamiento orbital previsto para septiembre. Estos satélites cuentan con las redes de comunicación comercial más grandes jamás desplegadas en órbita baja terrestre, con una superficie de 693 pies cuadrados. Basándose en el éxito de BlueWalker 3, los BlueBird tienen un incremento de capacidad de procesamiento de diez veces.

La compañía tiene como objetivo proporcionar servicios de banda ancha celular basados en el espacio directamente a los teléfonos inteligentes cotidianos, comenzando con una cobertura no continua en los Estados Unidos continentales utilizando más de 5,600 celdas en espectro de baja frecuencia. AST SpaceMobile ha asegurado inversiones estratégicas de importantes empresas de telecomunicaciones y tiene acuerdos con más de 45 operadores de redes móviles en todo el mundo, representando más de 2.8 mil millones de suscriptores existentes.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS)는 플로리다주 케이프 커버럴에 첫 번째 상업용 블루버드 위성 다섯 대의 도착을 발표했으며, 이들은 9월에 예정된 궤도 발사를 앞두고 있습니다. 이 위성들은 저궤도에서 배치될 최대 상업 통신 배열을 자랑하며, 면적은 693 제곱피트입니다. BlueWalker 3의 성공에 기반하여, 블루버드는 처리 용량이 10배 증가했습니다.

회사는 5,600개 이상의 셀을 이용한 프리미엄 저주파 스펙트럼에서 시작하여 대륙 미국 전역에 비연속적인 커버리지를 제공하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. AST SpaceMobile은 주요 통신 회사로부터 전략적인 투자를 확보했으며, 전 세계 45개 이상의 이동통신 네트워크 운영자와 계약을 체결하여 28억 이상의 기존 가입자를 대표합니다.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) a annoncé l'arrivée de ses cinq premiers satellites BlueBird commerciaux à Cape Canaveral, en Floride, avant un lancement orbital prévu pour septembre. Ces satellites disposent des plus grands systèmes de communication commerciaux jamais déployés en orbite basse, mesurant 693 pieds carrés. S'appuyant sur le succès de BlueWalker 3, les BlueBird affichent une augmentation de la capacité de traitement multipliée par dix.

L'entreprise vise à fournir une large bande cellulaire mondiale basée dans l'espace directement aux smartphones du quotidien, en commençant par une couverture non continue à travers les États-Unis continentaux, utilisant plus de 5 600 cellules sur le spectre de basse fréquence premium. AST SpaceMobile a sécurisé des investissements stratégiques de grandes entreprises de télécommunications et a des accords avec plus de 45 opérateurs de réseaux mobiles dans le monde, représentant plus de 2,8 milliards d'abonnés existants.

AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) hat die Ankunft seiner ersten fünf BlueBird-Satelliten in Cape Canaveral, Florida, angekündigt, im Vorfeld eines geplanten orbitalen Starts im September. Diese Satelliten verfügen über die größten kommerziellen Kommunikationssysteme, die jemals in der niedrigen Erdumlaufbahn eingesetzt wurden, mit einer Fläche von 693 Quadratfuß. Auf dem Erfolg von BlueWalker 3 aufbauend, bieten die BlueBirds eine verzehnfachte Verarbeitungskapazität.

Das Unternehmen hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, globalen, weltraumbasierten Mobilfunkbreitbanddienst direkt an alltägliche Smartphones zu liefern, beginnend mit einer nicht kontinuierlichen Abdeckung in den kontinentalen Vereinigten Staaten unter Verwendung von über 5.600 Zellen im Premium-Niederband-Spektrum. AST SpaceMobile hat strategische Investitionen von großen Telekommunikationsunternehmen gesichert und hat Vereinbarungen mit mehr als 45 Mobilfunknetzbetreibern weltweit, die über 2,8 Milliarden bestehende Abonnenten repräsentieren.

Positive
  • Arrival of first five commercial BlueBird satellites at Cape Canaveral for September launch
  • Largest-ever commercial communications arrays in low Earth orbit at 693 square feet
  • Tenfold increase in processing capacity compared to BlueWalker 3 satellite
  • Strategic investments secured from AT&T, Verizon, Google, and Vodafone in 2024
  • New contract award with the United States Government through a prime contractor
  • Agreements with over 45 mobile network operators globally, representing 2.8 billion subscribers
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The arrival of AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites at Cape Canaveral marks a significant milestone in the company's mission to provide space-based cellular broadband. With 693 square feet arrays, these satellites represent a technological leap in low Earth orbit communications. The tenfold increase in processing capacity compared to BlueWalker 3 is particularly noteworthy.

The planned coverage across the continental US using over 5,600 cells on premium low-band spectrum suggests a robust initial service offering. However, investors should note that this is still non-continuous coverage, indicating potential limitations in service consistency. The company's ability to scale this technology and achieve continuous coverage will be important for long-term success.

The strategic investments from major telecom players and the US government contract are positive indicators of industry confidence. Yet, the path from successful launch to profitable operations remains challenging in this competitive sector.

AST SpaceMobile's progress is potentially disruptive for the global telecommunications landscape. The company's agreements with over 45 mobile network operators, representing 2.8 billion subscribers, indicate significant market interest. This extensive partner network could provide a substantial customer base upon successful deployment.

However, investors should consider the complex regulatory environment of global telecommunications and potential challenges in integrating with existing terrestrial networks. The company's ability to navigate these hurdles will be critical.

The involvement of major players like AT&T, Verizon and Vodafone as both partners and investors is a strong vote of confidence. Yet, it's important to note that space-based cellular broadband is still an unproven market at scale. The company's financial performance will depend on successful technology deployment and consumer adoption rates.

From an investment perspective, AST SpaceMobile's progress is encouraging but carries significant risks. The company's 185,000 square foot facility in Midland, TX, demonstrates commitment to scalable production, which is important for future growth. However, investors should be aware of the high capital requirements and long development cycles typical in the space industry.

The September launch window is a critical event to watch. Successful deployment will likely boost investor confidence, but any delays or technical issues could have negative impacts. The company's ability to meet its launch schedule and demonstrate operational capabilities will be key performance indicators.

While the strategic investments from industry giants are positive, they also raise questions about potential dilution for existing shareholders. Investors should closely monitor the company's cash burn rate and funding strategy as it moves from development to operational phases.

The Largest-Ever Commercial Communications Arrays to Be Deployed In Low Earth Orbit

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 everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today announced that its first five commercial satellites, called BlueBirds, have arrived in Cape Canaveral, Florida, ahead of the planned orbital launch during a 7-day launch window in September.”

AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites arrive at Cape Canaveral (Photo: Business Wire)

AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites arrive at Cape Canaveral (Photo: Business Wire)

The BlueBird satellites feature the largest-ever commercial communications arrays to be deployed in low Earth orbit, at a remarkable 693 square feet, a technological leap forward in AST SpaceMobile’s ability to deliver seamless cellular broadband connectivity to billions of mobile users worldwide.

Building on the success of its BlueWalker 3 satellite, AST SpaceMobile's first five commercial satellites will have a tenfold increase in processing capacity. This advancement sets the stage for delivering global space-based cellular broadband directly to everyday smartphones, starting with non-continuous coverage across the continental United States using over 5,600 cells on premium low-band spectrum.

“These satellites represent years of relentless innovation,” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, “We are excited to take yet another step towards bridging the digital divide on a global scale with space-base cellular broadband.”

These first five commercial satellites were built in AST SpaceMobile state-of-the-art 185,000 square feet facilities in Midland, TX, specifically designed for satellite production. This advanced facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology, is a testament to AST SpaceMobile's commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

During 2024, AST SpaceMobile has secured additional strategic investment from AT&T, Verizon, Google and Vodafone, as well as a new contract award with the United States Government through a prime contractor. The company has agreements with more than 45 mobile network operators globally, which have over 2.8 billion existing subscribers total, including Vodafone Group, AT&T, Verizon, Rakuten Mobile, Bell Canada, Orange, Telefonica, TIM, Saudi Telecom Company, Zain KSA, Etisalat, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, Telkomsel, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Millicom, Smartfren, Telecom Argentina, MTN, Telstra, Africell, Liberty Latin America and others. AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, Rakuten, American Tower, and Bell Canada are also existing investors in AST SpaceMobile.

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, and designed for both commercial and government applications. 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, X (Formerly 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 could 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 of the launch of the Block 1 BlueBird 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 SpaceMobile’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 and the ability to enter into commercial agreements with other parties or government entities; (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 Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including those in the Risk Factors section of AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024.

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 in AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. 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.

Investors:

Scott Wisniewski

investors@ast-science.com

Media:

Allison

Eva Murphy Ryan

917-547-7289

AstSpaceMobile@allisonpr.com

Source: AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

FAQ

When are AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites scheduled for launch?

AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites are scheduled for launch during a 7-day launch window in September 2024.

How large are the communication arrays on AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites?

The BlueBird satellites feature communication arrays measuring 693 square feet, making them the largest-ever commercial communications arrays to be deployed in low Earth orbit.

How many commercial satellites has AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) sent to Cape Canaveral?

AST SpaceMobile has sent its first five commercial satellites, called BlueBirds, to Cape Canaveral, Florida.

What is the processing capacity improvement of BlueBird satellites compared to BlueWalker 3?

The BlueBird satellites have a tenfold increase in processing capacity compared to AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3 satellite.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

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