- SpaceX launches 3 Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
- Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 is scheduled for 2:39 a.m. EDT (0639 UTC).
- The rocket’s upper stage is set to deploy the three, six-ton satellites into low Earth orbit beginning with BlueBird 8 about 54.5 minutes after liftoff.
- This launch comes about two months after the ill-fated BlueBird 7 mission, which launched aboard a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket from the Cape.
- The company estimates the carrying value of the satellite to be in the range of $155.0 million to $160.0 million.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted AST SpaceMobile the ability to deploy 248 of its satellites into low Earth orbit.
- Each of the Block 2 BlueBird satellites has a massive communications array that measures about 2,400 square feet (223 square meters).
SpaceX launched three Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 2:39 a.m. EDT. The mission follows the unsuccessful BlueBird 7 launch two months prior, which was conducted by Blue Origin.1235
The three satellites, designated BlueBird 8, 9, and 10, are set to be deployed into low Earth orbit approximately 54.5 minutes after liftoff. Each satellite carries a communications array measuring about 2,400 square feet (223 square meters), aimed at enhancing global connectivity.48
AST SpaceMobile has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy a total of 248 satellites in low Earth orbit, with the carrying value of the current satellites estimated between $155 million and $160 million.7
“SpaceX has successfully launched three Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile. This mission comes two months after the failed BlueBird 7 mission.”
