AST SpaceMobile plans BlueWalker 3
direct-to-cell connectivity testing from space with mobile network
operators on six continents
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 that its BlueWalker 3 test satellite (BW3) has arrived at
Cape Canaveral. The satellite recently departed an off-site testing
facility in California after collecting flight data for the
upcoming planned launch to low Earth orbit, with a launch window
for early to mid-September.
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AST SpaceMobile today announced that its
BlueWalker 3 test satellite (BW3) has arrived at Cape Canaveral.
(Photo: Business Wire)
“There are over five billion mobile phones in use today
globally, but many of us still experience gaps in coverage as we
live, work and travel. Additionally, there are billions of people
around the world who still lack access to broadband,” said Scott
Wisniewski, Chief Strategy Officer at AST SpaceMobile. “We want our
efforts to significantly increase the availability of cellular
broadband globally by providing a space-based network to existing,
unmodified mobile phones. The delivery of BlueWalker 3 to Cape
Canaveral represents another milestone in our efforts to reach this
goal.”
The actual BW3 launch date remains subject to change and is
contingent on a number of factors including, but not limited to,
final testing, final integration, timely readiness of the launch
vehicle and other unknowns including, but not limited to, weather
conditions or technical problems.
Over the summer, AST SpaceMobile completed the assembly and
stowing of BW3, including its 693-square-foot phased array of
antennas, at the company’s Midland, TX headquarters and
manufacturing facility. This large array of antennas is designed to
connect directly to existing mobile phones from a much longer
distance than traditional cell towers. In total, more than 800
tests were conducted on the satellite before it left Texas.
Members of the public will be able to watch a live broadcast of
the launch online or view it in person at several public viewing
locations throughout the Cape Canaveral area.
Once in low Earth orbit and following initial in-orbit testing
and configuration, AST SpaceMobile plans to conduct BW3
direct-to-cell phone testing on every inhabited continent, in
coordination with mobile network operators (MNOs). MNOs in the
mission’s test plans include Vodafone, Rakuten Mobile, and Orange,
among others, using cell phone handsets from major global
manufacturers.
Concurrent with the launch of BW3, AST SpaceMobile continues to
build out its manufacturing capabilities to reach its goal of
building six next-generation BlueBird satellites per month. The
company intends to launch a low Earth orbit constellation of
BlueBirds that would provide cellular broadband from space across
the globe – on land, at sea and in the air.
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 testing, 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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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220809005509/en/
Investor Contact: Scott Wisniewski
investors@ast-science.com
Media Contact: Brandyn Bissinger press@ast-science.com +1
866 845 6521
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