AST SpaceMobile Deploys Largest Commercial Satellite Antenna

BlueBird 6 satellite unfolds 2,400-square-foot array, enabling 120 Mbps 5G connectivity to standard smartphones.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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AST SpaceMobile has successfully deployed its next-generation BlueBird 6 satellite, which features the largest commercial communications array ever sent to low Earth orbit. The massive 2,400-square-foot antenna is designed to provide 4G and 5G cellular broadband services directly to unmodified smartphones, with peak speeds up to 120 Mbps.

Why it matters

This breakthrough in space-based cellular technology has the potential to bridge the digital divide by providing connectivity in remote areas and regions lacking traditional infrastructure. AST SpaceMobile's rapid deployment schedule aims to quickly establish a global satellite network accessible by standard mobile devices.

The details

The BlueBird 6 array is over three times the size and ten times the capacity of AST SpaceMobile's previous satellites. The large aperture enables highly precise beamforming to minimize interference and maximize network capacity. AST SpaceMobile operates nearly 500,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities and employs nearly 1,800 people, maintaining 95% vertical integration.

  • AST SpaceMobile successfully unfolded the BlueBird 6 satellite on February 11, 2026.
  • The company plans to launch 45-60 satellites by the end of 2026, with launches occurring every one to two months on average.

The players

AST SpaceMobile

An American company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard smartphones.

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What’s next

The success of AST SpaceMobile's technology hinges on regulatory approvals, the cost of satellite deployment and maintenance, and the ability to integrate with existing cellular networks.

The takeaway

AST SpaceMobile's deployment of the massive BlueBird 6 satellite represents a significant step towards providing global cellular connectivity, potentially bridging the digital divide by enabling access to 4G and 5G services on standard mobile devices.