Overview
AST SpaceMobile disclosed that its BlueBird 7 satellite, launched on Blue Origin's New Glenn 3 rocket, was placed into an orbit lower than planned and is not sustainable for operations. The company said the spacecraft did separate from the launch vehicle and powered on, but the altitude achieved is insufficient for the satellite's on-board thruster capability, and the satellite will de-orbit.
Market reaction
Shares of AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) fell 14% on Monday following the company's announcement about BlueBird 7's orbit. The company said it expects to recover the lost satellite's cost under its insurance policy.
Technical and program details
BlueBird 7 would have been the company's eighth satellite placed into low Earth orbit as part of its space-based cellular broadband network intended to connect directly with standard smartphones. AST SpaceMobile confirmed that the satellite separated from the launch vehicle and initiated power-up, but an underperformance of the upper stage left the satellite in a lower-than-planned orbit.
The company indicated that the altitude is insufficient for operations with the satellite's on-board thruster technology and that the spacecraft will de-orbit. AST SpaceMobile said it expects insurance to cover the satellite's cost.
Production and launch plans
AST SpaceMobile said it is in production through BlueBird 32. The company added that BlueBird 8 through 10 are expected to be ready to ship in approximately 30 days. It also stated that it continues to expect an orbital launch every one to two months on average during 2026, supported by agreements with multiple launch providers, and that it maintains a target of approximately 45 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026.
Program implications
The company described the loss of BlueBird 7 as a setback to its deployment schedule but underscored that the satellite was one of many planned for the network. AST SpaceMobile reiterated ongoing production and its stated launch cadence and orbital target for the end of 2026.