BlueBirds 14, 15, and 16 are preparing for the next mission, with production advancing through BlueBird satellite 42.

AST SpaceMobile has launched its BlueBird 11, 12 and 13 satellites, marking another milestone in the deployment of its low Earth orbit constellation designed to deliver cellular broadband connectivity directly to standard smartphones.

The three satellites lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch follows the successful deployment of BlueBird satellites 8, 9 and 10 and expands the company’s next-generation satellite network as it moves toward commercial service. AST SpaceMobile also confirmed that BlueBirds 14, 15 and 16 are being prepared for a future launch, while production has progressed through BlueBird satellite 42.

According to the company, BlueBird 11, 12 and 13 feature the largest communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit, with arrays more than three times the size of its initial five Block 1 BlueBird satellites. The larger satellite design incorporates advanced beamforming technology to improve targeted coverage, reduce interference and increase network capacity, enabling broadband connectivity directly to unmodified 4G and 5G smartphones.

The next-generation satellites are expected to deliver peak download speeds approaching 200 Mbps, nearly doubling the 98.9 Mbps achieved by the company’s first Block 1 satellites. The enhanced performance is intended to support voice calls, broadband internet access and video services from space.

Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, said: “The successful launch of BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 demonstrates the progress of a space-based cellular broadband network built for scale. We are repeatedly building and deploying the largest phased arrays in low Earth orbit. Our unique technology is designed to provide broadband for direct-to-device but is increasingly serving as a platform for additional capabilities. We remain focused on scaling our cellular broadband network as we prepare for beta services later this year.”

Each satellite launch supports AST SpaceMobile’s strategy of integrating its space-based network with terrestrial mobile infrastructure through a flexible spectrum approach that combines partner and company-owned spectrum, allowing standard mobile devices to connect without requiring hardware modifications.

As the constellation expands, AST SpaceMobile is progressing toward initial service activation and continuous coverage across key markets, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Saudi Arabia and Japan, while also supporting the US Government and other strategic customers.

The company currently has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators serving more than 3 billion subscribers worldwide. Its strategic partners include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group and American Tower.

AST SpaceMobile said its BlueBird satellites are assembled, integrated and tested at its manufacturing facility in Midland, Texas. The company now operates more than 500,000 sqft of manufacturing and operational facilities globally, supported by a workforce of over 2,250 employees and a technology portfolio comprising more than 3,900 patents and patent-pending claims.