Businesswire·2025-12-24 05:31Core Viewpoint - AST SpaceMobile has successfully launched BlueBird 6, marking a significant milestone in the development of the first space-based cellular broadband network accessible by standard smartphones, aimed at both commercial and government applications [1][3]. Group 1: Launch Details - The BlueBird 6 mission was launched on December 23 at 10:25 p.m. EST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India [2]. - BlueBird 6 is now the largest commercial communications array in low Earth orbit, covering nearly 2,400 square feet, which is three times larger than the previous BlueBirds 1-5 [2]. Group 2: Company Vision and Future Plans - The launch of BlueBird 6 is seen as a breakthrough for the company, validating years of innovation and manufacturing in the U.S. and signaling the transition to scaled deployment [3]. - The company plans to launch 45–60 satellites by the end of 2026, with launches scheduled every one to two months [3]. Group 3: Manufacturing and Workforce - BlueBird 6 was assembled and tested at the company's facilities in Midland, Texas, which encompass nearly 500,000 square feet and employ over 1,800 staff [4]. - The company holds over 3,800 patents and patent-pending claims, supporting its technology platform [4]. Group 4: Partnerships and Market Reach - AST SpaceMobile has agreements with over 50 mobile network operators globally, representing nearly 3 billion subscribers combined [5]. - Strategic partnerships include major companies such as AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell, and stc Group [5]. Group 5: Company Mission - The company aims to eliminate connectivity gaps for the five billion mobile subscribers worldwide and provide broadband access to billions who remain unconnected [6].