SpaceX has launched three BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, expanding the company’s low Earth orbit communications constellation.
The rocket’s first stage landed successfully on a company droneship, while the upper stage deployed the satellites into orbit. The mission brings the total number of BlueBird satellites launched to 13, including seven next-generation and six first-generation spacecraft.
AST SpaceMobile plans to use the constellation to provide broadband connectivity directly to unmodified smartphones. According to the company, the latest launch, alongside expanded manufacturing capacity, supports plans to begin beta services later this year.
The launch took place on 5 August 2026, according to the announcement.
Source: Zawya
