AST SpaceMobile provides interim operational
update on its ongoing space-based cellular broadband satellite
programs
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, provides an
operational update on the BlueWalker 3 (BW3), Block 1 BlueBird and
next-generation BlueBird programs.
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the full release here:
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AST SpaceMobile, Inc., provided today an
operational update on the BlueWalker 3 (BW3), Block 1 BlueBird and
next-generation BlueBird programs. (Photo: Business Wire)
“The achievements to date for BlueWalker 3 validate the design
roadmap for our BlueBirds, including deploying and flying the
largest-ever commercial communications array in low Earth orbit, a
key fundamental and patented technology to deliver space-based
cellular broadband directly to unmodified phones,” said Abel
Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “On the back of the
successful deployment of BW3’s communications array, we look
forward to initiating testing with our mobile network operator
partners starting early in the first quarter of 2023.”
Update on BlueWalker 3 on-orbit activities, the largest-ever
commercial communications array deployed in low Earth orbit
- Achievements with nominal operations on BW3 satellite over the
last 3 months
- Built TT&C (Tracking, Telemetry & Control) network on
Earth, with teams monitoring 24/7 BW3 orbit via earth stations in
Maryland, Colorado and Australia
- Achieved nominal operations for guidance, navigation and
control of BW3 over the last 3 months at an altitude of ~515km and
sustained velocity of ~17,000 mph
- Upgraded onboard flight control software to incorporate BW3
on-orbit learnings and control the deployed communications
array
- Deployed the 693 square foot communications array, from stowed
configuration, in November 2022
- Powered the communications array in preparation for mobile
network operator testing
- Tested patented doppler and delay hardware and software
solution on the ground with Rakuten Mobile and Nokia baseband
technology
- Completed installation of ground network for end-to-end testing
in Texas, Hawaii and Japan
- Received test licenses via partner mobile network operators
from relevant regulatory bodies in the United States, Japan,
Colombia, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, and Indonesia in advance of
mobile network operator testing
- Updated ground Space Operations Center (SOC) system and
processes to support planned low Earth orbit operations
- Transition to testing of direct-to-cell satellite capabilities
beginning in Q1 2023, supporting mobile network operator partners
to interconnect with BlueWalker 3 and prepare for future commercial
service with BlueBird satellites
- Integrate with mobile network operator core networks, including
AST SpaceMobile patented doppler and delay system, starting as
early as January
- Conduct initial 4G LTE and 5G end-to-end connectivity starting
from communications array as early as January
- Report speed test data in coordination with mobile network
operator partners
Update on BlueBird programs, targeting launch of first 5
commercial satellites in late 2023
- Confirmation of BW3 mechanical deployment system and system
architecture expected to be used for first 5 Block 1 BlueBird
satellites
- Confirmation of main BW3 subsystems expected to be used for
first 5 Block 1 BlueBird satellites, including guidance, navigation
and control system in use on BW3
- Assembly and production lines designed, and equipment ordered
and partially installed, with significant flexibility to meet
expected 2023 production needs in our 185,000 square foot Texas
manufacturing facilities
- Expect to begin initial chip production during 2023 of custom
AST 5000 ASIC for future generation, higher capacity BlueBird
satellites
Planned testing of the BW3 test satellite with mobile network
operators may be delayed, may not prove successful, or may not be
completed at all due to various factors, including, but not limited
to, equipment failure, or other technical issues.
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 planned testing of the BW3 test satellite may not be
completed due to a variety of factors, which could include loss of
satellite connectivity, destruction of the satellite, or other
communication failures, and even if completed as planned, the BW3
testing 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 commercializing our service.
The production and launch of our BlueBird satellites may not be
completed as currently contemplated due to a variety of factors,
which could include results of BW3 testing, challenges in
completing our assembly and production facility, launch
difficulties, or supply chain shortages, any of which could result
in additional costs or delays, which could be material. If there
are delays or issues with our testing of BW3 or production and
launch of BlueBird satellites, it may become more costly to raise
capital, if we are able to do so at all.
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 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. 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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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221213005989/en/
Investors: Scott Wisniewski investors@ast-science.com
Media: Brandyn Bissinger press@ast-science.com +1 866 845
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