AST SpaceMobile Prepares for BlueBird 7 Satellite Launch

Shares dip in premarket ahead of April 19 liftoff on Blue Origin's New Glenn

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:44am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic satellite antenna, its intricate components illuminated by vibrant neon lights, conceptually representing the advanced technology powering AST SpaceMobile's mission to expand global connectivity.AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 satellite, equipped with a powerful phased-array antenna, prepares to deliver high-speed cellular broadband from low Earth orbit.Cape Canaveral Today

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) announced that its BlueBird 7 satellite is scheduled to launch on April 19 from Cape Canaveral aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn-3 mission. The satellite is designed to deliver direct-to-device cellular broadband to unmodified smartphones, with expected peak speeds above 120 Mbps. Shares of AST SpaceMobile dipped slightly in premarket trading on Friday.

Why it matters

The launch of BlueBird 7 is a significant milestone for AST SpaceMobile as it works to fulfill its mission of connecting billions of people through space-based cellular broadband. The company's next-generation satellites could disrupt the traditional telecommunications industry by providing global connectivity without the need for specialized user equipment.

The details

BlueBird 7 features a 2,400-square-foot phased-array antenna to support 4G and 5G voice, data and video services from low Earth orbit. AST SpaceMobile President Scott Wisniewski stated that 'every launch brings us closer to fulfilling our mission: connecting billions of people through space-based cellular broadband.' Qualified retail shareholders can apply to attend the launch event, with registration closing on April 17.

  • AST SpaceMobile announced the BlueBird 7 launch on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • The launch is scheduled for April 19, 2026 from Cape Canaveral, with a launch window from 6:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. EDT.

The players

AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

An American company that is developing a space-based cellular broadband network designed to be accessible by standard mobile phones.

Blue Origin

An American privately funded aerospace manufacturer and sub-orbital spaceflight services company founded by Jeff Bezos.

Scott Wisniewski

President of AST SpaceMobile.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Every launch brings us closer to fulfilling our mission: connecting billions of people through space-based cellular broadband.”

— Scott Wisniewski, President, AST SpaceMobile

What’s next

Qualified retail shareholders have until April 17 to register for the opportunity to attend the April 19 launch event for the BlueBird 7 satellite.

The takeaway

The launch of AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 satellite represents a significant step forward in the company's efforts to provide global cellular broadband connectivity without the need for specialized user equipment. If successful, this technology could disrupt the traditional telecommunications industry and expand access to high-speed internet services around the world.