AST SpaceMobile

AST SpaceMobile was founded in May 2017 by Abel Avellan as AST & Science LLC.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/16/ast-science-going-public-through-spac-at-1point8-billion-valuation.html|title=Satellite-to-smartphone broadband company AST & Science to go public through a SPAC|first=Michael|last=Sheetz|date=December 16, 2020|website=CNBC}} Avellan remains the chairman and chief executive officer of the company.{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/763e9a64-6848-11ea-a6ac-9122541af204|title=Africa races to fill telecoms 'not spots'|newspaper=Financial Times |date=May 16, 2020 |last1=Fildes |first1=Nic }}{{Cite web |title=10-Q |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1780312/000095017022017458/asts-20220630.htm |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=www.sec.gov}} Originally from Venezuela, Avellan is a United States citizen who previously worked for Swedish telecommunications conglomerate Ericsson.{{Cite web |date=2020-03-17 |title=Abel Avellan wants to connect your mobile phone to space |url=https://rakuten.today/tech-innovation/abel-avellan-wants-to-connect-your-mobile-phone-to-space.html |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=Rakuten Today |language=en-US}} In 1999, Avellan founded Emerging Markets Communications, a satellite-based communications services provider to maritime and other mobility markets, which was acquired in 2016 for US$550 million.{{Cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexknapp/2020/03/03/this-satellite-startup-raised-110-million-to-make-your-cell-phone-work-everywhere/ |title=This Satellite Startup Raised $110 Million To Make Your Cellphone Work Everywhere |date=2020-03-03 |work=Forbes |last=Knapp |first=Alex}}{{Cite press release |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/05/09/837616/0/en/Global-Eagle-Entertainment-Agrees-to-Acquire-Emerging-Markets-Communications.html |title=Global Eagle Entertainment Agrees to Acquire Emerging Markets Communications |date=2016-05-19 |publisher=GlobeNewswire}}

AST & Science purchased a controlling interest in NanoAvionics, a Lithuanian satellite manufacturing company, on March 6, 2018.{{cite web |last=Russell |first=Kendall |date=March 9, 2018 |title=AST&Science Announces Majority Investment in NanoAvionics |url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/business/2018/03/09/astscience-announces-majority-investment-in-nanoavionics/ |website=Via Satellite |access-date=November 26, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316105137/http://www.satellitetoday.com/business/2018/03/09/astscience-announces-majority-investment-in-nanoavionics/ |archive-date=March 16, 2018}}{{Cite web |title=Subsidiaries of AST SpaceMobile, Inc. |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1780312/000149315221008574/ex21-1.htm |website=sec.gov |access-date=November 26, 2022}}

In March 2020, AST & Science LLC announced a Series B investment round, led by Vodafone and Rakuten, that raised $110 million for the company.{{Cite web |title=Vodafone & Rakuten lead investors in SpaceMobile – Company Announcement - FT.com |url=https://markets.ft.com/data/announce/detail?dockey=1323-14445108-6LU49V4HUE2RAD0LRIVBVDIFH1 |website=markets.ft.com}} Samsung Next, American Tower, and Cisneros also participated.{{Cite web |last=Henry |first=Caleb |date=2020-03-05 |title=Megaconstellation startup raises $110 million to connect smartphones via satellite |url=https://spacenews.com/megaconstellation-startup-raises-110-million-to-connect-smartphones-via-satellite/ |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}

New Providence's first special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) announced in April 2021 that its shareholders had approved a proposal to form AST SpaceMobile in a business combination with AST & Science LLC.{{Cite web |date=2021-04-01 |title=New Providence Acquisition Corp. Stockholders Approve Business Combination with AST & Science |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210401005621/en/New-Providence-Acquisition-Corp.-Stockholders-Approve-Business-Combination-with-AST-Science |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/01/ast-science-to-close-spac-deal-begin-trading-on-nasdaq-next-week.html|title=Satellite company AST SpaceMobile expects to close SPAC deal next week and begin trading on Nasdaq|first=Michael|last=Sheetz|date=April 1, 2021|website=CNBC}}{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-16/satellite-firm-ast-said-to-be-going-public-in-blank-check-deal | title=Satellite Firm AST is Going Public in Blank-Check Deal | newspaper=Bloomberg.com | date=16 December 2020 }} AST SpaceMobile began to trade on the Nasdaq in the week after that announcement.{{Cite web |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |date=April 7, 2021 |title=AST SpaceMobile shares rise as the space SPAC stock begins trading on the Nasdaq |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/07/space-spac-stock-ast-spacemobile-begins-trading-on-the-nasdaq.html |website=CNBC}} New Providence had raised $462 million through an initial public offering (IPO) and a private investment in public equity (PIPE) to fully fund the development and first phase of its satellite constellation.{{Cite web |title=SPAC I – ASTS STOCK – New Providence Corp |url=https://newprovidencecorp.com/spac-i |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=New Providence Management |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |title=Satellite-to-smartphone broadband company AST & Science to go public through a SPAC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/16/ast-science-going-public-through-spac-at-1point8-billion-valuation.html |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=CNBC |date=December 16, 2020 |language=en}}

AST SpaceMobile started generating revenue through a U.S. Government contract in 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-08 |title=AST SpaceMobile Announces New Contract Award with United States Government Through Prime Contractor |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240207651001/en/AST-SpaceMobile-Announces-New-Contract-Award-with-United-States-Government-Through-Prime-Contractor |website=Businesswire}} However, the company does not expect to begin generating substantial revenue through mobile network operators like AT&T and Verizon until the company's BlueBird 1-5 satellites are fully operational.{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2022 |title=March 31, 2022 – 10-K: Annual report for year ending December 31, 2021Open document |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1780312/000095017022005212/asts-20211231.htm}}{{Cite web |last=De Selding |first=Peter |date=2024-08-15 |title=AST SpaceMobile: 5 commercial sats launch in September; we're OK on cash for next 12 months; fresh US government interest |url=https://www.spaceintelreport.com/ast-spacemobile-5-commercial-sats-launch-in-september-were-ok-on-cash-for-next-12-months-fresh-us-government-interest/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Space Intel Report |language=en-US}} The mobile network operators with whom the company has agreements and understandings collectively serve over 2.8 billion existing subscribers.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-12 |title=AST SpaceMobile Announces Successful Orbital Launch of Its First Five Commercial Satellites |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912442844/en/AST-SpaceMobile-Announces-Successful-Orbital-Launch-of-Its-First-Five-Commercial-Satellites |website=Businesswire}}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-04 |title=AST SpaceMobile Provides Interim Business Update to Confirm Upcoming Orbital Launch and Warrant Redemption|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1780312/000149315224035008/ex99-1.htm |website=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission}}

In July 2022, Nokia announced that it had won a five-year 4G and 5G deal from AST SpaceMobile.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-28 |title=Nokia Radio Technology to Enable AST SpaceMobile's Direct-to-cell Phone Connectivity From Space |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220728005646/en/Nokia-Radio-Technology-to-Enable-AST-SpaceMobile%E2%80%99s-Direct-to-cell-Phone-Connectivity-From-Space |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}}

AST SpaceMobile sold its majority ownership stake in NanoAvionics to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in September 2022.{{Cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=2022-07-05 |title=Kongsberg to acquire majority stake in NanoAvionics |url=https://spacenews.com/kongsberg-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-nanoavionics/ |website=SpaceNews}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001780312/000149315222025374/form8-k.htm |title= Form 8-K |date=2022-09-08 |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission}}

In January 2024, AST SpaceMobile announced a new partnership with Google and AT&T to collaborate on product development, testing, and implementation plans for bringing satellite connectivity to Android smartphones.{{Cite web |last=Rainbow |first=Jason |date=2024-01-20 |title=Google and AT&T join $155 million AST SpaceMobile investment |url=https://spacenews.com/google-and-att-join-155-million-ast-spacemobile-investment/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=2024-01-21 |title=Google and AT&T invest in Starlink rival for satellite-to-smartphone service |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/01/google-and-att-invest-in-starlink-rival-for-satellite-to-smartphone-service/ |website=Ars Technica}}

In May 2024, the company announced a $100 million partnership with Verizon to expand coverage to more remote parts of the United States, beyond the reach of a land-based network.{{Cite web |last=Jewett |first=Rachel |date=2024-05-29 |title=Verizon Jumps Into Satellite-to-Cell Market With AST SpaceMobile |url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2024/05/29/verizon-jumps-into-satellite-to-cell-market-with-ast-spacemobile/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Via Satellite |language=en}}

On August 21, 2024, after the company confirmed its first commercial satellite launch in early September, AST SpaceMobile stock price jumped to $38.60 per share, or around 1,800% compared to record lows of $1.97 per share on April 2, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Alleven |first=Monica |date=2024-09-13 |title=A lot of people want to be in AST SpaceMobile's orbit |url=https://www.fierce-network.com/wireless/lot-people-want-be-ast-spacemobiles-orbit |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=www.fierce-network.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=AST SpaceMobile, Inc. Class A Common Stock (ASTS) |url=https://www.nasdaq.com/is/market-activity/stocks/asts |website=Nasdaq}} As a result, the company's market cap exceeded $8 billion in August 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-15/starlink-competitor-ast-soars-after-confirming-satellite-launch|title=Starlink Competitor AST Soars After Confirming Satellite Launch|date=2024-08-16|website=Bloomberg }} On December 9, 2024, AST SpaceMobile announced a commercial contract to provide space-based cellular broadband connectivity to Vodafone in Europe and Africa, as well as Vodafone’s partners, through 2034;{{cite web |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241208628293/en/AST-SpaceMobile-Announces-Definitive-Commercial-Agreement-with-Vodafone-Through-2034 |title=AST SpaceMobile Announces Definitive Commercial Agreement with Vodafone Through 2034 |date=2024-12-09 |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=businesswire.com}} making a first test mobile video call with a standard smartphone the following month.{{cite news |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/30/vodafone_aims_to_offer_satellitetophone/ |title=Vodafone aims to offer satellite-to-phone connectivity starting later this year |last=Robinson |first=Dan |website=The Register |date=30 January 2025 |access-date=30 January 2025}}

BlueWalker 1, the first satellite of AST & Science LLC, was launched on April 1, 2019, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India on the 47th mission of the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C45).{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2019 |title=AST & Science Announces Successful Launch of Its First Satellite |url=https://ast-science.com/2019/04/23/successful-launch-of-first-satellite/ |access-date=November 26, 2022 |website=AST SpaceMobile |language=en-US |location=Midland, Texas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116005343/https://ast-science.com/2019/04/23/successful-launch-of-first-satellite/ |archive-date=November 16, 2022}} Lithuanian smallsat company NanoAvionics built BlueWalker 1.{{Cite web |date=2019-04-08 |title=Two NanoAvionics Satellites were Launched with PSLV-C45, Communications Established Successfully |url=https://nanoavionics.com/news/two-nanoavionics-satellites-were-launched-with-pslv-c45-communications-established-successfully/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=NanoAvionics |language=en}} The satellite decayed from orbit on 29 November 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=44105 |title=BLUEWALKER 1 |date=29 November 2023 |access-date=2 December 2023 |work=N2YO.com}}

In July 2021, AST SpaceMobile announced an agreement with SpaceX to launch its second satellite, BlueWalker 3.{{cite news |last=Ferreira |first=Becky |title=A New Satellite Outshines Some of the Brightest Stars in the Sky - Astronomers warn that BlueWalker 3, a test spacecraft with a large array of antennas, could be the first of many larger satellites in low-Earth orbit that interfere with astronomical observations. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/02/science/bluewalker3-ast-spacemobile-astronomy.html |date=2 October 2023 |work=The New York Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231002154025/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/02/science/bluewalker3-ast-spacemobile-astronomy.html |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=3 October 2023 }}{{Cite web |title=BlueWalker 3 |url=https://ast-science.com/spacemobile-network/bluewalker-3/ |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=AST SpaceMobile |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-07-29 |title=AST SpaceMobile Announces Launch Services Agreement to Deploy 693-Square-Foot Phased Array Spacecraft for Direct-to-Cell Phone Connectivity Testing |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210729005507/en/AST-SpaceMobile-Announces-Launch-Services-Agreement-to-Deploy-693-Square-Foot-Phased-Array-Spacecraft-for-Direct-to-Cell-Phone-Connectivity-Testing |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}} It successfully launched on September 10, 2022, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.{{Citation |title=Starlink Mission | date=September 10, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2lxdOPyR3Q |language=en |access-date=2022-11-16}}{{Citation |title=AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3 direct-to-cell test satellite launches to orbit from Cape Canaveral | date=September 13, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CIRwN9SDzo |language=en |access-date=2022-11-14}} The 693-square-foot (64 m²) antenna array of BlueWalker 3 was successfully unfolded to full deployment on November 10, 2022.{{Citation |title=3D model of AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3 satellite unfolding in orbit | date=November 14, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrZiLiGZEik |language=en |access-date=2022-11-14}} AST SpaceMobile expects BlueWalker 3 to have a field of view of over 300,000 square miles on Earth.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-14 |title=AST SpaceMobile Deploys Largest-Ever Commercial Communications Array in Low Earth Orbit |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221114005574/en/AST-SpaceMobile-Deploys-Largest-Ever-Commercial-Communications-Array-in-Low-Earth-Orbit |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}} {{As of|2022|11}}, BlueWalker 3 maintains low Earth orbit at an altitude between approximately {{cvt|508 and 527|km}}.{{Cite web |title=BLUEWALKER 3 satellite details |url=https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=53807 |access-date=November 26, 2022 |website=N2YO.com}}

On April 25, 2023, AST SpaceMobile made the world's first space-based two-way telephone call with unmodified smartphones (a Samsung Galaxy S22 and an Apple iPhone) using the BlueWalker 3 satellite. This initial call was made from Midland, Texas to Japan using an AT&T 2G cellular frequency spectrum.{{Cite web |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=2023-04-26 |title=AT&T-backed satellite connects an everyday audio call from space |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/26/23699366/att-ast-spacemobile-satellite-cellular-connection-phone-call-space |access-date=2023-09-13 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}} The company also made the first 4G and 5G connectivity from a satellite in space directly to unmodified smartphones using the prototype satellite, achieving download rates as high as 21 Mbit/s.{{Cite web |last=Rainbow |first=Jason |date=2023-09-20 |title=AST SpaceMobile's prototype satellite makes first 5G connection |url=https://spacenews.com/ast-spacemobiles-prototype-satellite-makes-first-5g-connection/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Kan |first=Michael |date=2024-09-12 |title=AT&T Shares What To Expect From AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird Satellites |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/att-shares-what-to-expect-from-asts-bluebird-satellites|access-date=2024-11-20 |website=PC Magazine|language=en-US}} The company used this connectivity to make the first-ever space-based 5G voice calls, when AST SpaceMobile staff in Hawaii used unmodified Samsung Galaxy S22 handsets connected directly to BlueWalker 3 to call a Vodafone employee in Madrid, Spain.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/19/23879527/att-cellular-satellite-ast-spacemobile-5g |title=AT&T helped connect the first satellite 5G phone call |date=2023-09-19 |first=Emma |last=Roth |access-date=}}

In 2023, the company conducted a test which resulted in the first successful video call via space between everyday smartphones.{{cite web |url=https://dallasinnovates.com/att-and-ast-spacemobile-to-launch-first-space-based-broadband-network-for-cell-phones/ |title=AT&T and AST SpaceMobile To Launch First Space-Based Broadband Network for Cell Phones |date=2024-05-16 |first=Lance |last=Murray |access-date=2025-01-30}}{{cite web| url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ast-spacemobile-our-satellite-powered-phone-calls-will-work-indoors |title=AST SpaceMobile: Our Satellite-Powered Phone Calls Will Work Indoors |date=2024-07-01 |first=Michael |last=Kan |access-date=2025-01-30}}

In March 2022, AST SpaceMobile announced a multi-launch contract with SpaceX to launch its first BlueBird operational satellite.{{Cite web |title=SpaceX [REDACTED] Launch Services Multi Launch Agreement |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1780312/000149315222006357/ex10-1.htm |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=www.sec.gov}}{{Cite web |date=2022-03-09 |title=AST SpaceMobile Announces Multi-Launch Agreement With SpaceX for Planned Direct-to-Cell Phone Connectivity |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220309005369/en/AST-SpaceMobile-Announces-Multi-Launch-Agreement-With-SpaceX-for-Planned-Direct-to-Cell-Phone-Connectivity |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=www.businesswire.com |language=en}} AST SpaceMobile has stated that it plans to produce up to six BlueBird satellites per month at two manufacturing sites in Midland, Texas.{{Cite tweet |user=AbelAvellan |last=Avellan |first=Abel |number=1586143949336580096 |title=While our Maryland team preps to unfold BlueWalker 3, the Midland team is tasked on BlueBirds planned for launch next year! Our two sites in Texas will have a combined 185,000 sq ft of space for manufacturing up to six BlueBirds per month. #5G 📶🇺🇸🤠|access-date=15 November 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Rachel |date=September 12, 2022 |title=Midland-based company launches satellite into space |url=https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-based-company-launches-satellite-into-space/513-33f9b001-badd-4da0-a250-54448f275cfe |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=newswest9.com |language=en-US}} The company attributed delays in the deployment schedule of its first operational Block 1 BlueBird satellites to supply chain issues and price increases.{{Cite news |last=Rainbow |first=Jason |date=August 16, 2022 |title=AST SpaceMobile delays commercial satellite debut by six months |work=SpaceNews |url=https://spacenews.com/ast-spacemobile-delays-commercial-satellite-debut-by-six-months/ |access-date=August 22, 2022}}

On September 12, 2024, the company launched all five satellites with its BlueBird 1–5 mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.{{Cite web |last=Robinson-Smith |first=Will |date=2024-09-12 |title=SpaceX launches five BlueBird satellites on Falcon 9 flight from Cape Canaveral – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/09/12/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-5-bluebird-satellites-on-falcon-9-flight-from-cape-canaveral/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Spaceflight Now |language=en-US}} Hundreds of AST SpaceMobile's retail investors attended the mission's launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. On October 4, 2024, Avellan announced the first of the mission's Block 1 satellites had unfolded “ahead of schedule.”{{Cite web |last=Kan |first=Michael |date=2024-10-04 |title=Starlink Rival AST SpaceMobile Starts to Unfold Its Massive Satellites |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/starlink-rival-ast-spacemobile-starts-to-unfold-its-massive-satellites |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=PCMAG |language=en}} By October 25, the company stated all five satellites had completely unfolded.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-25 |title=AST SpaceMobile Successfully Completes Unfolding of First Five Commercial Satellites in Low Earth Orbit |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241025345390/en/AST-SpaceMobile-Successfully-Completes-Unfolding-of-First-Five-Commercial-Satellites-in-Low-Earth-Orbit |website=Businesswire}}

On November 14, 2024, AST SpaceMobile announced a launch campaign for its next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites. The company revealed plans to utilize multiple launch providers, including Blue Origin's forthcoming New Glenn rocket, SpaceX's launch vehicles, and those operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). This initiative aims to deploy up to 60 Block 2 BlueBird satellites, each equipped with a communication array spanning approximately 2,400 square feet (223 square meters). These satellites are designed to achieve data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps, enabling voice, data, and video communication capabilities for end users.{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-14/ast-spacemobile-buys-rocket-launches-from-bezos-blue-origin |title=AST SpaceMobile Buys Launches From Blue Origin, SpaceX |work=Bloomberg |access-date=2025-01-30 |first=Sana |last=Pashankar |date=2024-11-14}}{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/11/17/ast-spacemobile-secures-multi-launch-agreements-with-blue-origin-isro-and-spacex/ |title=AST SpaceMobile secures multi-launch agreements with Blue Origin, ISRO and SpaceX |date=2024-11-17 |first=Will |last=Robinson-Smith |access-date=2025-01-30 |work=Spaceflight Now}}

In April 2020, AST & Science LLC petitioned the Federal Communications Commission for permission to operate a constellation of 243 communications satellites in 16 orbital planes at altitudes between {{cvt|725 and 740|km}}.{{Cite web |title=Attachment Petition SAT-PDR-20200413-00034 |url=https://fcc.report/IBFS/SAT-PDR-20200413-00034/2257215 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=fcc.report}}

In October 2020, NASA filed a letter with the FCC during the public-comment period related to this petition to express concerns about the risk of collisions between the SpaceMobile satellite constellation and the A-train satellite constellation, due to the proposed orbital altitude for SpaceMobile as well as the size and scale of the SpaceMobile project.{{Cite web |last=Fonder |first=Samantha |date=30 October 2020 |title=NASA comments to AS |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=2765834 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110054703/https://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=2765834 |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=licensing.fcc.gov}}{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2020 |title=NASA Makes a Surprise Statement, Calling Out Private Space Start-up for Big Risks |url=https://observer.com/2020/11/nasa-object-satellite-constellation-startup-spacex-starlink-project/ |website=The New York Observer}}{{Cite news |date=February 23, 2022 |title=Star wars: why Nasa objects to Elon Musk's space race |newspaper=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/deaebceb-97ed-4022-84ad-e7057240afbf}}{{cite web |title=Texas satellite company defends itself against NASA criticisms |date=November 5, 2020 |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/11/texas-satellite-company-defends-itself-against-nasa-criticisms/ |access-date=21 July 2022 |publisher=Ars Technica}} In November 2020, NASA submitted a second letter to the FCC to revise its original stance as a result of AST SpaceMobile's demonstrated interest in collaborating with NASA to mitigate risks.{{cite web |title=Policymakers oblige 5G satellite aspirants |url=https://www.lightreading.com/iot/policymakers-oblige-5g-satellite-aspirants/d/d-id/765585 |access-date=21 July 2022 |publisher=Light Reading}} In its second letter, NASA stated that technical concerns "need not preclude the issuance of the requested license" and that NASA had no concern with the license being granted.{{Cite web |last=Fonder |first=Samantha |date=20 November 2020 |title=NASA Response to AST |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=2858625 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430173946/https://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=2858625 |archive-date=30 April 2021 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=licensing.fcc.gov}} Three United States Senators and one United States Congressman also filed letters with the FCC in support of SpaceMobile.{{Cite web |title=FCC INTERNATIONAL BUREAU File Number = SATPDR2020041300034 |url=https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/ib/forms/reports/related_filing.hts?f_key=-441408&f_number=SATPDR2020041300034 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=licensing.fcc.gov}}

United States wireless provider AT&T has partnered with AST SpaceMobile in a joint effort to provide satellite-based wireless service to remote areas of its coverage area.{{Cite web |last=Moritz |first=Scott |date=5 October 2022 |title=AT&T CEO Says His Satellite Service Has Lead on Musk's |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-05/at-t-ceo-says-his-satellite-phone-service-has-lead-over-musk-s |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221115040746/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-05/at-t-ceo-says-his-satellite-phone-service-has-lead-over-musk-s?srnd=industries-telecom&leadSource=uverify%20wall |archive-date=15 November 2022 |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=www.bloomberg.com}}{{Cite web |last1=Shields |first1=Todd |last2=Moritz |first2=Scott |date=14 November 2022 |title=Direct-to-Satellite Cell-Phone Service Poised For Another Try |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-14/direct-to-satellite-cell-phone-service-poised-for-another-try |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221114185341/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-14/direct-to-satellite-cell-phone-service-poised-for-another-try |archive-date=14 November 2022 |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=www.bloomberg.com}}{{Cite web |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |title=AST SpaceMobile hits key milestone toward satellite-to-smartphone 5G service |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/14/ast-spacemobile-deploys-bluewalker-3-satellite-antenna.html |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=CNBC |date=November 14, 2022 |language=en}} AT&T filed a letter with the FCC in support of the petition for a license to operate in the United States, while AT&T's major competitors T-Mobile and Verizon initially asked the FCC to deny such a license. In May 2024, it was announced that Verizon had become an investor and strategic partner of AST SpaceMobile.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-29 |title=AST SpaceMobile and Verizon Announce Plans to Target 100 Percent Geographical Coverage of the Continental United States from Space on Premium 850 MHz Cellular Spectrum |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240529554741/en/AST-SpaceMobile-and-Verizon-Announce-Plans-to-Target-100-Percent-Geographical-Coverage-of-the-Continental-United-States-from-Space-on-Premium-850-MHz-Cellular-Spectrum |website=Businesswire}} AST SpaceMobile later revealed it would use “a segment” of both AT&T and Verizon's 850 MHz spectrum to support 100% geographic coverage within the United States.{{Cite web |last=Engebretson |first=Joan |date=2024-07-01 |title=Beyond 850 MHz: AST SpaceMobile Reveals More On AT&T/Verizon U.S. Coverage – Telecompetitor |url=https://www.telecompetitor.com/beyond-850-mhz-ast-spacemobile-reveals-more-on-att-verizon-u-s-coverage/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=www.telecompetitor.com}}

In May 2022, the FCC granted AST SpaceMobile an experimental license to connect to the BlueWalker 3 satellite.{{cite web | url = https://www.satellitetoday.com/telecom/2022/05/03/fcc-grants-ast-spacemobile-experimental-license/ | publisher = Satellite Today | title = FCC Grants AST SpaceMobile Experimental License | date = May 3, 2022 | access-date = 21 July 2022}} In August 2024, the FCC authorized the company to launch and operate the frequencies required to support the initial BlueBird 1–5 satellite mission, including gateway, feeder link, and telemetry, tracking, and control operations. As of November 2024, the FCC has not yet decided if AST SpaceMobile can operate in terrestrial cellular frequencies and enable the company to provide commercial satellite-to-cell services.{{Cite web |last=Jewett |first=Rachel |date=2024-08-05 |title=FCC Grants AST SpaceMobile Partial Approval for its First 5 Satellites |url=https://www.satellitetoday.com/connectivity/2024/08/05/fcc-grants-ast-spacemobile-partial-approval-for-its-first-5-satellites/ |access-date= 2024-11-20|website=Via Satellite |language=en-US}}

File:BlueWalker 3 imaged from the ground (ann23034b).tiff

File:BlueWalker 3 near Vega on 20 November 2022 (ann22033d).jpg

The SpaceMobile constellation has drawn criticism for its potential contribution to light pollution in the night sky, as well as radio-frequency interference with certain telescopes that operate outside of the visible light spectrum.{{Cite web |title=Giant satellite outshines stars, sparking fresh concerns for astronomers |url=https://www.science.org/content/article/giant-satellite-outshines-stars-sparking-fresh-concerns-astronomers |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=www.science.org |language=en}}

Observations of BlueWalker 3 were obtained after it unfolded into a large flat-panel shape in November 2022. The measurements indicate that the fully deployed satellite is very bright and usually approaches first magnitude when it is near the zenith.{{cite report

|author1=Mallama, A.

|author2=Cole, R.E.

|author3=Harrington, S.

|author4=Maley, P.D.

|date = 2022-11-30

|title=Visual magnitude of the BlueWalker 3 satellite

|arxiv=2211.09811

}}

Follow-up observations revealed three deep but temporary periods of reduced brightness. The dimming was attributed to a change in the orientation of the flat-panel needed in order to boost solar power generation.{{cite report

|author1=Mallama, A.

|author2=Cole, R.E.

|author3=Tilley, S.

|author4=Bassa, C.

|author5=Harrington, S.

|date=2022-05-01

|title=BlueWalker 3 satellite brightness characterized and modeled

|arxiv=2305.00831

}}

This finding indicated that the satellite operator can reduce the luminosity of their constellation and mitigate its adverse impact on astronomy by making a small adjustment to the spacecraft orientation.

Additional criticism was focused on the proliferation of similar satellites being developed by AST SpaceMobile which – as a group – could have a deleterious impact to the science of astronomy.Nandakumar, S., Eggl, S., Tregloan-Reed, J. et al. The high optical brightness of the BlueWalker 3 satellite. Nature (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06672-7 Notes the New York Times, "they create bright trails and an ambient glow in the sky that can destroy astronomical images and obscure fainter celestial objects that would otherwise be visible to the naked eye." In response to these concerns, AST SpaceMobile is working with the National Science Foundation on an agreement to reduce the impact of its satellites on astronomical observations;{{cite web |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/ast-spacemobiles-large-satellites-to-roll-and-tilt-to-prevent-astronomy |title=AST SpaceMobile's Large Satellites to Roll and Tilt to Prevent Astronomy Interference |date=2025-01-08 |access-date=2025-01-30 |first=Michael |last=Kan |website=pcmag.com}}

• Phased array
• Beamforming
• Satellite internet constellation

{{reflist}}

{{Satcomm}}

{{Satellite constellations}}

Category:Communications satellite operators

Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq

Category:Space technology

Category:Aerospace companies of the United States

Category:American companies established in 2017