Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin has secured a share of the contract to launch AST SpaceMobile’s (NASDAQ: ASTS) second-generation satellites for its BlueBird satellite constellation. AST SpaceMobile announced plans for launches in 2025 and 2026, leveraging Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, alongside SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and support from the Indian Space Research Organization.
Previously, SpaceX was the exclusive launch provider for AST’s satellites, including the BlueBird 1 and the experimental BlueWalker 3 launched in 2022 and 2023, respectively. However, for the upcoming Block 2 BlueBird satellites, AST is diversifying its launch providers, engaging Blue Origin and other vehicles to accelerate the deployment of its next-generation constellation.
Blue Origin’s participation marks a significant step forward for the New Glenn rocket, signaling its growing presence in the commercial satellite launch market. This development follows AST SpaceMobile’s strategic efforts to scale its satellite network, aimed at delivering global satellite-based broadband directly to mobile phones.
Reader Interactions