AST SpaceMobile Sets December 15 Launch for BlueBird 6

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) announced that its next-generation BlueBird 6 satellite will launch on December 15 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India. The mission marks a significant milestone in the company’s push to build a global space-based cellular network.

Largest Phased-Array Antenna in Low Earth Orbit

BlueBird 6 will carry the largest commercial phased-array antenna in low Earth orbit, spanning 2,400 sq. ft.
Key upgrades:

3.5× larger than earlier models
10× higher data capacity
Designed to enable direct-to-phone broadband connectivity

Advancing Space-Based Mobile Connectivity

CEO Abel Avellan said the next-generation satellites will deliver ubiquitous cellular broadband coverage directly to standard smartphones.
He emphasized:

U.S. leadership in space innovation
Pioneering global connectivity from orbit

Production Accelerating Ahead of 2026

ASTS is ramping up production:

40 satellites’ worth of microns expected to be completed by early 2026
Five orbital launches planned by the end of Q1 2026
Targeting 45–60 satellites in orbit by end of 2026 to support continuous U.S. and selected market coverage

Market Reaction

Shares of AST SpaceMobile jumped 6.6% premarket to $53.90 following the announcement.