AST SpaceMobile Announces BlueBird 7 Launch Date

Invites Retail Investors to Attend Live Launch Event at Cape Canaveral

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:41pm

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A highly detailed, 3D macro illustration of the glowing, illuminated phased-array antenna of a satellite, surrounded by a swirling field of neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the advanced communications capabilities of the satellite.The advanced phased-array antenna of the BlueBird 7 satellite, designed to deliver high-speed cellular broadband connectivity directly to everyday smartphones from space.Midland Today

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. announced that its next-generation communications satellite, BlueBird 7, is scheduled to launch on April 19 from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The company is inviting qualified retail shareholders to attend the live event.

Why it matters

The launch of BlueBird 7 is a significant milestone for AST SpaceMobile as it works to build the first and only global cellular broadband network in space, designed to deliver direct-to-device connectivity from space to standard, unmodified smartphones. This represents a major step forward in the company's mission to connect billions of people worldwide.

The details

BlueBird 7 features a phased-array antenna spanning approximately 2,400 square feet, engineered to support the power and sensitivity required to connect directly to everyday mobile phones from low Earth orbit. The satellite is designed to deliver full 4G and 5G broadband speeds, including voice, data, and video services. To be eligible to attend the launch event, retail investors must hold shares, have been shareholders for at least 6 months, and be shareholders at the time of application.

  • The orbital launch is scheduled for April 19, with a 6:45 am through 8:45 am EDT window, on Blue Origin's New Glenn-3 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
  • Registration for the limited number of viewing spots at Cape Canaveral will close at 8 pm EDT on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The players

AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

The company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications.

Scott Wisniewski

President of AST SpaceMobile.

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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 of AST SpaceMobile

What’s next

The exact timing of the orbital launch is subject to change based on a number of factors, including launch readiness of the launch provider, weather conditions, and other factors. Members of the public will be able to watch a live broadcast on the launch day on AST SpaceMobile's YouTube channel.

The takeaway

The launch of BlueBird 7 represents a significant milestone in AST SpaceMobile's mission to build a global cellular broadband network in space, which has the potential to connect billions of people worldwide to high-speed internet services directly from their smartphones. The company's invitation to retail investors to attend the live launch event underscores its commitment to engaging with its shareholder community as it continues to execute on its ambitious plans.