AST SpaceMobile Selects Blue Origin’s
New Glenn Rocket to Deliver Next-Generation BlueBird Satellites to Space
Blue Origin today announced a multi-launch agreement to deliver multiple next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO) on New Glenn. All launches will occur over a multi-year period from Blue Origin’s Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed for both commercial and government applications. It will operate directly with everyday smartphones and allow seamless switching between terrestrial cell towers and satellite signals depending on location and coverage needs.
New Glenn to deliver AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation BlueBird satellites.
“New Glenn’s performance and unprecedented capacity within its seven-meter fairing enables us to deploy more of our Block 2 BlueBird satellites in orbit, helping provide continuous cellular broadband service coverage across some of the most in-demand cellular markets globally,” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, AST SpaceMobile.
"It’s an honor to support AST SpaceMobile’s deployment of their next generation BlueBird satellites, which will expand connectivity across the globe and positively impact many lives,” said Dave Limp, CEO, Blue Origin. “New Glenn is purpose-built for these kinds of innovative and ambitious missions.”
New Glenn stands more than 320 feet (98 meters) tall and is named after John Glenn, the first person to orbit Earth. Its seven-meter fairing enables twice the payload volume of any five-meter class commercial launch system.
The vehicle’s reusable first stage is designed for a minimum of 25 missions and is powered by seven Blue Origin BE-4 engines, the most powerful liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled, oxygen-rich staged combustion engine ever flown. Its second stage is powered by two BE-3U engines. Each BE-3U generates 160,000 lbf of thrust in vacuum. Blue Origin also manufactures BE-7 engines for its Blue Moon lunar landers and New Shepard’s BE-3PM engine.
New Glenn’s first launch is on track for this year.
Blue Origin and AST SpaceMobile Team Up for Satellite Launches
Blue Origin has secured a multi-launch agreement with AST SpaceMobile to deploy Block 2 BlueBird satellites using the New Glenn rocket. Launches will occur over several years from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral. AST SpaceMobile aims to create the first space-based cellular broadband network compatible with everyday smartphones, enabling seamless transition between terrestrial and satellite signals. New Glenn, with its large payload capacity, supports this mission, standing over 320 feet tall and powered by seven BE-4 engines. Designed for versatility, its reusable first stage and an anticipated launch this year highlight New Glenn's innovative capabilities.
