AST SpaceMobile launch schedule updated
October 19, 2026

By Chris Forrester


It seems more than likely that would-be global satellite cellular provider AST SpaceMobile will have its target 46 satellites in orbit by Q2 next year. This is much later than first anticipated, but sufficient to provide a core ‘beta’ service to some important markets.

In December 2025, Jennifer Manner, SVP/Regulatory Affairs at AST SpaceMobile, told a Congress Committee (the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the Committee on Energy & Commerce) that the satellite Direct-to-Cell business would launch between 45 and 60 of its second-generation BlueBird 2 satellites during 2026.


The current – although unconfirmed – schedule rather depends on the availability of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket coming on stream by late December or early January. Blue Origin is working hard to complete work on a rebuilt launch pad at Cape Canaveral and is expected to launch its first test flight (‘Blue Ring’) around year-end.

Then launches could start with Blue Origin.

Meanwhile, AST’s BlueBird rockets #14, #15 and #16 should launch later in October.

AST’s BlueBirds #17, #18 and #19 will ship to the launch site and launch later in November, on a Falcon 9.

BlueBirds #20, #21 and #22 should ship from their Midland factory and launch by mid-December.

BlueBirds #23 – #27 are said to be ready to ship by late-November and launch by year-end.

The 2027 schedule suggests the following ambitions:

BlueBirds #28, #29 and #30 should launch by mid-January

BlueBirds #33, #34 and #35 could launch by early February

BlueBirds #36 – #43 to launch by early March.

BlueBirds #44, #45 and #46 to launch later in March, and hence wrap the ambition for 46 satellites in orbit by the end of Q1 2027.

However, there is still something of a journey ahead, even if the above launches are satisfied on schedule.

The total target is to have 243 satellites in orbit by the end of 2028 and thus supply a true global service. 90 craft are needed on orbit to commence a global services, says AST.