Rakuten and Vodafone Invest in AST & Science
AST & Science announce new investors and unveil the first space-based network – SpaceMobile – that will be the first to connect directly to 4G, and in the future 5G, smartphones without any need for specialized satellite hardware. Read More
Successful Launch of First Satellite
AST & Science today announced that its first satellite, designated BlueWalker 1, has been successfully launched, stabilized in orbit and is ready for operations.The BlueWalker 1 nano-satellite was launched into orbit on a PSLC-C45 launch vehicle from the Datish Dhawan Space Center in India April 1. Read More
AST Announces Investment in NanoAvionics
AST & Science today announced that it has closed on the purchase of a controlling interest in the European satellite manufacturer and system integrator NanoAvionics. Abel Avellan, chairman and CEO of AST & Science will become chairman of the board at NanoAvionics. Read More
New U.S. Patent Awarded
The USPTO has awarded a patent covering unique features of the revolutionary low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites being brought to market by AST&Science. “This new U.S. patent is an important milestone and underpins our growing portfolio of intellectual property,” said Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO. Read More
New Manufacturing Facility and HQ in Midland, Texas
AST & Science, after an intensive competitive process, today announced the selection of Midland, Texas, as the location for its new high-volume North American satellite manufacturing plant and corporate headquarters.The new 85,000 sq. ft. facility is located within the Space Port Business Park at the Midland International Air and Space Port. Read More
Cisneros Invests in AST & Science
AST & Science has received a significant investment from Cisneros. “Cisneros’ deep and broad experience in media and telecom, which includes the launching of DirectTV in Latin America, will provide a very valuable perspective as we prepare to launch our space technologies to market,” said Avellan, Chairman and CEO. Read More
Forbes Feature
Excerpt and link to Forbes article by Alex Knapp: This Satellite Startup Raised $110 Million To Make Your Cellphone Work Everywhere Read More
The Economist: Call from the Heavens
The Economist: “Call from the heavens. A new firm says it can link satellites to ordinary smartphones.” Read More
New York Times Article
Excerpt and link to Forbes article via Reuters: Vodafone Looks to Space to Bolster Mobile Signal on the Ground Read More
Light Reading Article
Excerpt and link to Light Reading article: Rakuten, Vodafone Invest in Satellite Startup
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Via Satellite Article
Excerpt and link to Via Satellite article by Rachel Jewett: Rakuten and Vodafone Invest in SpaceMobile, a LEO Cell Service Read More