Our Journey
Pioneering the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network, one breakthrough at a time.
Our Journey
Pioneering the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network, one breakthrough at a time.
Coming Soon
BlueBird 6 Launch
Our first next generation satellite is scheduled to launch this December. It will feature a 2,400 square foot phased array, 3.5 times larger and delivering 10 times the data capacity of the previous generation.
stc group strategic investment and definitive commercial agreement
We signed a 10-year commercial agreement with stc group to enable direct-to-device satellite mobile connectivity across Saudi Arabia and select countries across the Middle East and Africa.
Oct 29, 2025
Oct 8, 2025
Definitive commercial agreement with Verizon
With service beginning in 2026, the agreement aims to enhance Verizon’s expansive network with reliable space-based cellular broadband connectivity across the continental U.S.
Canada’s first space-based VoLTE voice call, broadband data connection, and video streaming
Using BlueBirds 1-5, we successfully demonstrated the first direct-to-cell broadband connections in Canada with our strategic partner Bell.
OCT 02, 2025
JULY 2025
First VoLTE calls with AT&T and Verizon core networks
We achieved the first native VoLTE voice calls and SMS over satellite using unmodified smartphones on AT&T’s core network, followed by successful VoLTE calls on Verizon’s network via our BlueBirds 1-5.
First direct-to-cell demonstration for government defense use cases
Together with Fairwinds Technologies, we demonstrated tactical satellite communications using unmodified smartphones for military defense applications.
JUN 26, 2025
APR 23, 2025
First space-based video call in Japan
Together with Rakuten, we completed Japan’s first space-based video call using a standard smartphone.
Announced SatCo, Joint Venture Company with Vodafone
Together with Vodafone, we are creating a jointly owned satellite service business, SatCo, to serve mobile network operators (MNOs) across Europe.
MAR 3, 2025
FEB 24, 2025
BlueBird 1-5’s first space-based video calls in the U.S.
We completed additional space-based video calls in the U.S., the first using BlueBird 1–5, over AT&T spectrum.
First space-based video call in Europe
We achieved a historic milestone with Vodafone: Europe’s first space-based video call, delivered to a region in central Wales that has never had mobile coverage.
JAN 28, 2025
Dec 9, 2024
Definitive commercial agreement with Vodafone
We entered an agreement with Vodafone to provide commercial services for users across Europe and Africa through 2034.
BlueBird 1-5 Launch
Our first five commercial satellites, BlueBird 1-5, launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Each equipped with nearly 700-square-foot arrays.
SEP 12, 2024
MAY 29, 2024
Partnership with Verizon
We entered into a new partnership with Verizon, aimed at delivering space-based coverage across 100% of the United States.
Definitive commercial agreement with AT&T
We entered an agreement with AT&T to provide their first space-based broadband network for users across the U.S. through 2030.
May 15, 2024
JAN 18, 2024
Partnership with Google
We announced a new strategic investment from Google, bringing not only capital but also deep technical and strategic alignment.
World’s First Space-Based 5G Call
We successfully demonstrated 5G connectivity from space with BlueWalker 3, including voice calls and a data rate of 14 Mbps, in partnership with AT&T and Vodafone.
SEP 19, 2023
JUN 21, 2023
World’s First Space-Based Video Call
We enabled the first-ever space-based video call with an everyday smartphone, using BlueWalker 3 and AT&T spectrum.
World’s First Space-Based Voice Call
We completed the world’s first space-based voice call— from Midland, Texas to Rakuten in Japan, using BlueWalker 3 and AT&T spectrum.
APR 25, 2023
SEP 10, 2022
BlueWalker 3 Launch
We launched BlueWalker 3, a breakthrough prototype satellite featuring a 693-square-foot phased array – the largest ever deployed in low Earth orbit.
Becoming a Public Company
AST SpaceMobile became publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock exchange. This milestone expanded our visibility and unlocked critical funding to accelerate our satellite constellation.
APR 7, 2021
2020-2021
First Strategic Partnerships
We secured our first global partnerships with major mobile network operators including Vodafone, Rakuten, and AT&T. By 2021, our agreements covered over 1.8 billion mobile subscribers worldwide.
BlueWalker 1 Launch
We launched BlueWalker 1, a nanosatellite designed to function like a 4G phone in space. Rather than starting with a large, costly satellite, we first proved direct-to-cell connectivity was possible by sending a “phone” into space and testing whether it could connect to antennas on the ground. The successful connections validated our vision and kickstarted full-scale satellite development.
APR 1, 2019
MAY, 2017
Founding of AST SpaceMobile
Abel Avellan founded AST SpaceMobile in Midland, Texas. From day one, our mission has been to connect the unconnected with the first space-based cellular broadband network designed to work with everyday smartphones.