FCC Grants AST SpaceMobile Authority for 248-Satellite Constellation and Direct-to-Cell Service
AST SpaceMobile received FCC authorization for a 248-satellite constellation, enabling direct-to-cell service using terrestrial spectrum. This ruling allows AST SpaceMobile to deploy 223 additional satellites, enhancing connectivity across the U.S. and supporting first responders. The constellation will operate at altitudes of 520 km, 685 km, and 690 km, with launches planned through 2026 and 2027.
New Glenn Grounded and AST SpaceMobile Satellite Lost After Launch Anomaly
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket experienced an anomaly during its third launch, resulting in the BlueBird 7 satellite for AST SpaceMobile being placed into an unsustainable orbit. The BE-3U engine underperformed during the second burn, prompting an FAA investigation and grounding of the vehicle. AST SpaceMobile plans to file an insurance claim for the lost satellite.
Blue Origin launches third New Glenn rocket, but payload ends up in wrong orbit
Blue Origin launched its third New Glenn rocket carrying the AST SpaceMobile Bluebird 7 satellite, which unfortunately ended up in the wrong orbit. The rocket successfully re-flew a previously used first stage, but the payload's off-nominal orbit represents a setback for AST SpaceMobile's plans to deploy a constellation of 60 satellites for global cellular broadband service.
AST SpaceMobile loses BlueBird #7
AST SpaceMobile lost its BlueBird 7 satellite on April 19, 2026, due to a failure in the upper stage of a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket. Insured for $30 million, the satellite was left in a non-nominal orbit. This incident has raised concerns about AST's reliability and will prompt a thorough investigation into the rocket's performance.
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 declared lost following New Glenn launch
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 was declared lost after its deployment into an incorrect orbit following the New Glenn launch. The satellite, intended for 4G/5G connectivity, was placed in a 154 x 494 km orbit, too low for operational thrusters. Blue Origin is assessing the anomaly while AST SpaceMobile plans to recover costs via insurance.
Blue Origin Achieves First Booster Reuse but Satellite Enters Off-Nominal Orbit
Blue Origin successfully launched and recovered its New Glenn booster for the second time on April 19, 2026, during mission NG-3. However, the primary payload, AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7, entered an off-nominal orbit. This milestone enhances Blue Origin's reusability strategy, aiming for 8-12 flights in 2026 to meet demand from clients like Amazon's Project Kuiper.
New Glenn launches for 3rd time, reuses first stage and lands it, but fails to put satellite in correct orbit
Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket for the third time, reusing the first stage, which landed successfully. However, the mission failed to place AST SpaceMobile's Bluebird-7 satellite in the correct orbit, resulting in its loss. This launch marks Blue Origin's first commercial mission, despite its ongoing reputation for slow operations and the satellite's failure.
Geographic Hotspots: Where Demand Is Accelerating
China and India are emerging as leaders in the Asia-Pacific satellite sector, projected to capture a 26.5% market share by mid-2026. Vodafone partnered with Amazon Leo for satellite backhaul in Africa, while Orange collaborates with AST SpaceMobile and Eutelsat for D2D services. The Arctic Corridor's satellite market is expected to reach $2.77 billion by 2026.
Blue Origin just launched the giant Bluebird 7 mobile phone satellite into space — but it's in the wrong orbit
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket successfully launched the BlueBird 7 satellite, but it was deployed into an incorrect orbit. The launch occurred on April 19, with the first stage recovery executed successfully. AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 aims to enhance cellular broadband capabilities in low Earth orbit, but its current status remains uncertain following the launch anomaly.
Third New Glenn launch suffers upper stage malfunction
Blue Origin's New Glenn experienced a second stage malfunction during its third flight on April 19, resulting in the BlueBird 7 satellite being stranded in an unrecoverable orbit. The payload was deployed into a 154 by 494 km orbit, too low for operational recovery. AST SpaceMobile expects to recover costs through insurance for the lost satellite.
Live Coverage: Third flight of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket to feature 1st reuse of booster
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is set for its third flight, launching the BlueBird 7 satellite for AST SpaceMobile on April 19, 2026. This mission marks the first reuse of the booster, 'Never Tell Me the Odds', which previously launched in November 2025. The rocket's engines have been replaced for this flight, enhancing performance.
New Glenn set to launch on third mission, reuse booster for the first time
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is set for its third mission on April 19, 2026, reusing the Never Tell Me The Odds booster, previously used for NASA's ESCAPADE mission. This launch will deploy AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 satellite into LEO, enhancing cellular broadband services. Successful reuse would position Blue Origin as the second company to achieve this milestone.
Blue Origin fires up used New Glenn rocket ahead of landmark reflight (photo)
Blue Origin conducted a 19-second static fire test of its New Glenn rocket on April 16, 2026, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This test prepares for the NG-3 mission, scheduled for April 19, which will reuse a previously flown booster. The mission will deploy a Block 2 BlueBird satellite for AST SpaceMobile into LEO.