AST SpaceMobile Announces BlueWalker 3, the Largest Commercial Communications Array Ever Deployed to Low Earth Orbit
Historic direct-to-cell phone test mission planned to reach orbit September 10th
MIDLAND, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$ASTS #launch—AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones, today announced its BlueWalker 3 (BW3) test satellite is planned to reach orbit September 10 from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, a mission that plans to kick off testing with mobile network operators on six continents, including North America.
“The start of the BlueWalker 3 mission is a major step forward to provide space-based cellular broadband,” said Abel Avellan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AST SpaceMobile. “With agreements and understandings from mobile network operators who collectively provide service to over 1.8 billion subscribers around the globe, the BW3 mission bolsters our mutual commitment to connect the unconnected.”
The actual date BW3 reaches orbit remains subject to change and is contingent on several factors, including, but not limited to, timely readiness of the launch vehicle, weather conditions, technical problems, and other unknowns.
At 693 square feet, the phased array on BlueWalker 3 will be the largest commercial communications array ever deployed to low Earth orbit. This large array of antennas is designed to connect directly to existing mobile phones from a much longer distance than traditional cell towers. AST SpaceMobile has a portfolio of more than 2,400 patent- and patent-pending claims supporting its cellular broadband technology.
Once BlueWalker 3 is deployed and operational, in-orbit testing and configuration will begin. AST SpaceMobile plans to conduct BW3 direct-to-cell phone testing on six continents, including North America. Mobile network operators (MNOs) in the mission’s test plans include Vodafone, Rakuten Mobile, and Orange, among others. AST SpaceMobile has agreements and understandings with more than 25 MNOs, including a mutual exclusivity with Vodafone in 24 countries.
Members of the public will be able to watch a live broadcast on September 10th on AST SpaceMobile’s YouTube channel or view it in person at several public viewing locations throughout the Cape Canaveral area.
Additional details on the BlueWalker 3 mission can be seen in this video.
About AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today’s five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of AST SpaceMobile to differ materially from those expected and projected. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “continue,” or “should,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology.
These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside AST SpaceMobile’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expectations regarding AST SpaceMobile’s strategies and future financial performance, including AST’s future business plans or objectives, expected functionality of the SpaceMobile Service, anticipated timing and level of deployment of satellites, anticipated demand and acceptance of mobile satellite services, prospective performance and commercial opportunities and competitors, the timing of obtaining regulatory approvals, ability to finance its research and development activities, commercial partnership acquisition and retention, products and services, pricing, marketing plans, operating expenses, market trends, revenues, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and AST’s ability to invest in growth initiatives; (ii) the negotiation of definitive agreements with mobile network operators relating to the SpaceMobile service that would supersede preliminary agreements and memoranda of understanding; (iii) the ability of AST SpaceMobile to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees and AST SpaceMobile’s responses to actions of its competitors and its ability to effectively compete; (iv) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (v) the possibility that AST SpaceMobile may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against AST SpaceMobile; and (vii) other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including those in the Risk Factors section of AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022.
The actual launch date for the BW3 test satellite remains subject to change and is contingent on a number of factors, many of which are outside of our control. These factors include, but are not limited to, final integration, ground transport, timely readiness of the launch vehicle and other unknowns such as weather conditions or technical problems. The BW3 test launch may not be successful or even if successful, may indicate adjustments that are needed or modifications that must be made, any of which could result in additional costs, which could be material, and delays in our timeline. If there are material additional costs, we may need to raise additional capital beyond what is currently contemplated.
AST SpaceMobile cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. AST SpaceMobile cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors incorporated by reference into AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K Registration Statement filed with the SEC on March 31, 2022. AST SpaceMobile’s securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov [sec.gov]. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, AST SpaceMobile disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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