AST SpaceMobile announced that its next Block 2 satellite, BlueBird 7, will launch in late February 2026 on the New Glenn‑3 mission from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch will be the company’s first use of New Glenn, and the rocket’s seven‑meter fairing can carry up to eight BlueBird satellites per flight, enabling a multi‑satellite launch cadence.
BlueBird 7 is the largest commercial communications array in low‑Earth orbit, with a 2,400‑square‑foot phased‑array that can deliver up to 120 Mbps directly to standard smartphones. The satellite is a key component of AST SpaceMobile’s plan to deploy 45–60 satellites by the end of 2026, a target that underpins the company’s promise of global cellular broadband coverage.
The launch is a critical milestone in the company’s aggressive deployment schedule, which calls for a new satellite every one to two months in 2026. By leveraging New Glenn’s capacity to launch multiple satellites at once, AST SpaceMobile can accelerate network build‑out and move closer to commercial service availability.
AST SpaceMobile’s Texas manufacturing plant can produce six satellites per month, and the New Glenn fairing’s capacity reduces the cost per satellite, improving the economics of the constellation rollout. The company’s recent $1.5 billion funding round and cash reserves provide the financial cushion needed to sustain this launch cadence.
President Scott Wisniewski said the BlueBird 7 launch “moves us closer to delivering a new layer of cellular broadband connectivity for consumers, enterprises, and government customers worldwide.” The company’s goal is to connect underserved areas and eliminate dead zones by providing direct satellite‑to‑cell service.
The launch follows the December 2025 launch of BlueBird 6 and positions AST SpaceMobile ahead of competitors such as Starlink, which are also developing direct‑to‑device capabilities. The company’s rapid deployment pace is intended to secure a first‑mover advantage in the emerging satellite‑to‑cell market.
AST SpaceMobile is actively engaging with the FCC on licensing for large constellations, working to secure spectrum allocation and regulatory approval that will enable the company to operate its planned 45–60‑satellite network.
While the company’s financial position is strong, with recent capital raised and a robust manufacturing pipeline, it faces launch risks, regulatory uncertainties, and competitive pressure from other satellite broadband providers. These headwinds underscore the importance of the BlueBird 7 launch as a tangible step toward achieving the company’s long‑term vision.
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