AST SpaceMobile Targets 45 BlueBird Satellites by Early 2027

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) is targeting approximately 45 BlueBird satellites in orbit by early 2027 as it builds a network designed to connect standard smartphones directly to satellites.

The company had 13 spacecraft in orbit as of Aug. 10, 2026, after launching BlueBird 8 through BlueBird 13. BlueBird 11 through BlueBird 13 launched Aug. 5. BlueBird 14, 15 and 16 were expected to be ready to ship shortly, while BlueBird 17 through BlueBird 46 were in production and assembly stages.

AST SpaceMobile’s manufacturing capacity had reached up to six Block 2 BlueBird satellites per month. The company’s filings distinguish between an initial phase of noncontinuous service in selected markets and continuous service across key markets, including the United States, Europe and Japan. The latter would require approximately 45 to 60 satellites, while its broader plan calls for approximately 90 across all targeted markets.

The SpaceMobile service has not yet launched and has generated no service revenue. Existing revenue came from gateway equipment, software, related services and U.S. government contracts.

Second-quarter revenue reached $31.5 million, compared with $1.2 million in the year-earlier quarter. AST SpaceMobile maintained full-year 2026 revenue guidance of $150 million to $200 million.

Revenue backlog stood at approximately $1.30 billion from contracted commercial agreements and U.S. government awards. Pro forma cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash exceeded $3.7 billion as of June 30, including $1.150 billion in gross proceeds from a July offering of 1.625% convertible senior notes.

The satellite targets and revenue guidance remain forward-looking plans. AST SpaceMobile’s rollout depends on satellite assembly and testing, launch-vehicle readiness, logistics, regulatory approvals, financing and commercial agreements.