AST SpaceMobile explained

AST SpaceMobile
Type:Public
Traded As:NASDAQ:
Industry:Space
Hq Location City:Midland, Texas
Hq Location Country:US

AST SpaceMobile is a publicly traded satellite designer and manufacturer based in Midland, Texas, United States.[1] [2] The company is building the SpaceMobile satellite constellation, a space-based cellular broadband network that will allow existing, unmodified smartphones to connect to satellites in areas with coverage gaps.[3] Its BlueWalker 3 prototype satellite is the largest commercial communications array in low Earth orbit after its launch in 2022.[4] [5] [6]

History

AST SpaceMobile was founded in May 2017 by Abel Avellan as AST & Science LLC.[3] [7] Avellan remains the chairman and chief executive officer of the company.[8] [9] Originally from Venezuela, Avellan is a United States citizen who previously worked for Swedish telecommunications conglomerate Ericsson.[10] In 1999, Avellan founded Emerging Markets Communications, a satellite-based communications services provider to maritime and other mobility markets, which was acquired in 2016 for US$550 million.[11] [12]

AST & Science purchased a controlling interest in NanoAvionics, a Lithuanian satellite manufacturing company, on March 6, 2018.[13] [14]

In March 2020, AST & Science LLC announced a Series B investment round, led by Vodafone and Rakuten, that raised $110 million for the company.[15] Samsung Next, American Tower, and Cisneros also participated.[16]

New Providence's first special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) announced in April 2021 that its shareholders had approved a proposal to form AST SpaceMobile in a business combination with AST & Science LLC.[17] [18] [19] AST SpaceMobile began to trade on the Nasdaq in the week after that announcement.[20] New Providence had raised $462 million through an initial public offering (IPO) and a private investment in public equity (PIPE) to fully fund the development and first phase of its satellite constellation.[21] [22]

AST SpaceMobile does not expect to begin generating revenue until the company launches its operational satellites.[23] The mobile network operators with whom the company has agreements and understandings collectively serve over 1.8 billion existing subscribers.

In July 2022, Nokia announced that it had won a five-year 4G and 5G deal from AST SpaceMobile.[24]

AST SpaceMobile sold its majority ownership stake in NanoAvionics to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in September 2022.[25] [26]

In January 2024, AST SpaceMobile announced a new partnership with Google and AT&T to collaborate on product development, testing, and implementation plans for bringing satellite connectivity to Android smartphones.[27] [28]

In May 2024, the company announced a partnership with Verizon to expand coverage to more remote parts of the United States, beyond the reach of a land-based network.[29]

On August 16, 2024, AST SpaceMobile stock prices jumped 50% after the company confirmed its first commercial satellite launch in early September. The company's market cap surpassed $8 billion.[30]

Deployment

BlueWalker 1, the first satellite of AST & Science LLC, was launched on April 1, 2019 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India on the 47th mission of the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C45).[31] Lithuanian smallsat company NanoAvionics built BlueWalker 1.[32] The satellite decayed from orbit on 29 November 2023.[33]

In July 2021, AST SpaceMobile announced an agreement with SpaceX to launch its second satellite, BlueWalker 3.[34] [35] It successfully launched on September 10, 2022, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A. The 693-square-foot (64 m2) antenna array of BlueWalker 3 was successfully unfolded to full deployment on November 10, 2022. AST SpaceMobile expects BlueWalker 3 to have a field of view of over 300,000 square miles on Earth.[36], BlueWalker 3 maintains low Earth orbit at an altitude between approximately .[37] On April 25 2023, AST SpaceMobile made the world's first space-based two-way telephone call with unmodified smartphones (a Samsung Galaxy S22 and an Apple iPhone) using the satellite. The call was made from Midland, Texas to Japan using an AT&T 2G cellular frequency spectrum.[38]

In March 2022, AST SpaceMobile announced a multi-launch contract with SpaceX to launch its first BlueBird operational satellite.[39] [40] AST SpaceMobile states that it will be able to produce up to six BlueBird satellites per month at two manufacturing sites in Midland, Texas.[41] [42] The company has attributed delays in the deployment schedule of its operational satellites to supply chain issues and price increases.[43] In March 2023, AST SpaceMobile stated that it expects to launch the first five Block 1 BlueBird satellites in early 2024.[44] In April 2024, AST further delayed the launch of Block 1 to Q3 with a date no earlier than September 2024.[45] [46]

Licenses

In April 2020, AST & Science LLC petitioned the Federal Communications Commission for permission to operate a constellation of 243 communications satellites in 16 orbital planes at altitudes between .[47]

In October 2020, NASA filed a letter with the FCC during the public-comment period related to this petition to express concerns about the risk of collisions between the SpaceMobile satellite constellation and the A-train satellite constellation, due to the proposed orbital altitude for SpaceMobile as well as the size and scale of the SpaceMobile project.[48] [49] [50] [51] In November 2020, NASA submitted a second letter to the FCC to revise its original stance as a result of AST SpaceMobile's demonstrated interest in collaborating with NASA to mitigate risks.[52] In its second letter, NASA stated that technical concerns "need not preclude the issuance of the requested license" and that NASA had no concern with the license being granted.[53] Three United States Senators and one United States Congressman also filed letters with the FCC in support of SpaceMobile.[54]

United States wireless provider AT&T has partnered with AST SpaceMobile in a joint effort to provide satellite-based wireless service to remote areas of its coverage area.[55] [56] [57] AT&T has filed a letter with the FCC in support of the petition for a license to operate in the United States, while AT&T's major competitors T-Mobile and Verizon have asked the FCC to deny such a license.

In May 2022, the FCC granted AST SpaceMobile an experimental license to connect to the BlueWalker 3 satellite.[58] The FCC has neither granted nor denied a license for AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird operational satellites.[59]

Impact on astronomy

The SpaceMobile constellation has drawn criticism for its potential contribution to light pollution in the night sky, as well as radio-frequency interference with certain telescopes that operate outside of the visible light spectrum.[6]

Observations of BlueWalker 3 were obtained after it unfolded into a large flat-panel shape in November 2022. The measurements indicate that the fully deployed satellite is very bright and usually approaches first magnitude when it is near the zenith.[60]

Follow-up observations revealed three deep but temporary periods of reduced brightness. The dimming was attributed to a change in the orientation of the flat-panel needed in order to boost solar power generation.[61] This finding indicated that the satellite operator can reduce the luminosity of their constellation and mitigate its adverse impact on astronomy by making a small adjustment to the spacecraft orientation.

Additional criticism was focused on the proliferation of similar satellites being developed by AST SpaceMobile which - as a group - could have a deleterious impact to the science of astronomy.[62] Notes the New York Times, "they create bright trails and an ambient glow in the sky that can destroy astronomical images and obscure fainter celestial objects that would otherwise be visible to the naked eye."

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Space, the financial frontier. June 11, 2021. Financial Times.
  2. Web site: Opinion: MC should reconsider decision about aviation maintenance school . Edmund T. . Anderson IV . April 12, 2022 . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220531114919/https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/MC-should-reconsider-its-decision-about-aviation-17072358.php . May 31, 2022 . November 26, 2022.
  3. News: A new firm says it can link satellites to ordinary smartphones . The Economist .
  4. News: Ferreira . Becky . A New Satellite Outshines Some of the Brightest Stars in the Sky - Astronomers warn that BlueWalker 3, a test spacecraft with a large array of antennas, could be the first of many larger satellites in low-Earth orbit that interfere with astronomical observations. . 2 October 2023 . . live . https://archive.today/20231002154025/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/02/science/bluewalker3-ast-spacemobile-astronomy.html . 2 October 2023 . 3 October 2023 .
  5. Web site: Howell . Elizabeth . 2022-11-16 . BlueWalker 3 satellite unfurls biggest commercial communications array ever . 2022-11-26 . Space.com . en . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221121202653/https://www.space.com/bluewalker-3-satellite-deploys-largest-commercial-array . 2022-11-21.
  6. Web site: Giant satellite outshines stars, sparking fresh concerns for astronomers . 2022-11-15 . www.science.org . en.
  7. Web site: Satellite-to-smartphone broadband company AST & Science to go public through a SPAC. Michael. Sheetz. December 16, 2020. CNBC.
  8. News: Africa races to fill telecoms 'not spots'. Financial Times . May 16, 2020 . Fildes . Nic .
  9. Web site: 10-Q . 2022-11-14 . www.sec.gov.
  10. Web site: 2020-03-17 . Abel Avellan wants to connect your mobile phone to space . 2022-11-15 . Rakuten Today . en-US.
  11. Web site: This Satellite Startup Raised $110 Million To Make Your Cellphone Work Everywhere . 2020-03-03 . Forbes . Knapp . Alex.
  12. Global Eagle Entertainment Agrees to Acquire Emerging Markets Communications . 2016-05-19 . GlobeNewswire.
  13. Web site: Russell . Kendall . March 9, 2018 . AST&Science Announces Majority Investment in NanoAvionics . Via Satellite . November 26, 2022 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180316105137/http://www.satellitetoday.com/business/2018/03/09/astscience-announces-majority-investment-in-nanoavionics/ . March 16, 2018.
  14. Web site: Subsidiaries of AST SpaceMobile, Inc. . sec.gov . November 26, 2022.
  15. Web site: Vodafone & Rakuten lead investors in SpaceMobile – Company Announcement - FT.com . markets.ft.com.
  16. Web site: Henry . Caleb . 2020-03-05 . Megaconstellation startup raises $110 million to connect smartphones via satellite . 2022-11-14 . SpaceNews . en-US.
  17. Web site: 2021-04-01 . New Providence Acquisition Corp. Stockholders Approve Business Combination with AST & Science . 2022-11-14 . www.businesswire.com . en.
  18. Web site: Satellite company AST SpaceMobile expects to close SPAC deal next week and begin trading on Nasdaq. Michael. Sheetz. April 1, 2021. CNBC.
  19. News: Satellite Firm AST is Going Public in Blank-Check Deal . Bloomberg.com . 16 December 2020 .
  20. Web site: Sheetz . Michael . April 7, 2021 . AST SpaceMobile shares rise as the space SPAC stock begins trading on the Nasdaq . CNBC.
  21. Web site: SPAC I - ASTS STOCK - New Providence Corp . 2022-11-14 . New Providence Management . en-US.
  22. Web site: Sheetz . Michael . Satellite-to-smartphone broadband company AST & Science to go public through a SPAC . 2023-02-24 . CNBC . December 16, 2020 . en.
  23. Web site: March 31, 2022 . March 31, 2022 - 10-K: Annual report for year ending December 31, 2021Open document .
  24. Web site: 2022-07-28 . Nokia Radio Technology to Enable AST SpaceMobile's Direct-to-cell Phone Connectivity From Space . 2022-11-14 . www.businesswire.com . en.
  25. News: Foust . Jeff . 2022-07-05 . Kongsberg to acquire majority stake in NanoAvionics . SpaceNews.
  26. Web site: Form 8-K . 2022-09-08 . U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
  27. Web site: Rainbow . Jason . 2024-01-20 . Google and AT&T join $155 million AST SpaceMobile investment . 2024-02-05 . SpaceNews . en-US.
  28. Web site: Brodkin . Jon . 2024-01-21 . Google and AT&T invest in Starlink rival for satellite-to-smartphone service . Ars Technica.
  29. Web site: Jewett . Rachel . 2024-05-29 . Verizon Jumps Into Satellite-to-Cell Market With AST SpaceMobile . 2024-06-13 . Via Satellite . en.
  30. Web site: Starlink Competitor AST Soars After Confirming Satellite Launch. 2024-08-16. .
  31. Web site: April 23, 2019 . AST & Science Announces Successful Launch of Its First Satellite . November 26, 2022 . AST SpaceMobile . en-US . Midland, Texas . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221116005343/https://ast-science.com/2019/04/23/successful-launch-of-first-satellite/ . November 16, 2022.
  32. Web site: 2019-04-08 . Two NanoAvionics Satellites were Launched with PSLV-C45, Communications Established Successfully . 2022-11-16 . NanoAvionics . en.
  33. Web site: BLUEWALKER 1 . 29 November 2023 . 2 December 2023 . N2YO.com.
  34. Web site: BlueWalker 3 . 2022-11-14 . AST SpaceMobile . en-US.
  35. Web site: 2021-07-29 . AST SpaceMobile Announces Launch Services Agreement to Deploy 693-Square-Foot Phased Array Spacecraft for Direct-to-Cell Phone Connectivity Testing . 2022-11-15 . www.businesswire.com . en.
  36. Web site: 2022-11-14 . AST SpaceMobile Deploys Largest-Ever Commercial Communications Array in Low Earth Orbit . 2022-11-14 . www.businesswire.com . en.
  37. Web site: BLUEWALKER 3 satellite details . November 26, 2022 . N2YO.com.
  38. Web site: Weatherbed . Jess . 2023-04-26 . AT&T-backed satellite connects an everyday audio call from space . 2023-09-13 . The Verge . en-US.
  39. Web site: SpaceX [REDACTED] Launch Services Multi Launch Agreement ]. 2022-11-15 . www.sec.gov.
  40. Web site: 2022-03-09 . AST SpaceMobile Announces Multi-Launch Agreement With SpaceX for Planned Direct-to-Cell Phone Connectivity . 2022-11-14 . www.businesswire.com . en.
  41. AbelAvellan . Avellan . Abel . 1586143949336580096 . While our Maryland team preps to unfold BlueWalker 3, the Midland team is tasked on BlueBirds planned for launch next year! Our two sites in Texas will have a combined 185,000 sq ft of space for manufacturing up to six BlueBirds per month. #5G . 15 November 2022.
  42. Web site: Robinson . Rachel . September 12, 2022 . Midland-based company launches satellite into space . 2022-11-16 . newswest9.com . en-US.
  43. News: Rainbow . Jason . August 16, 2022 . AST SpaceMobile delays commercial satellite debut by six months . SpaceNews . August 22, 2022.
  44. Web site: Rainbow . Jason . AST SpaceMobile discloses further satellite delays and cost increases . . March 31, 2023 . March 31, 2023.
  45. Web site: Launch Schedule – Spaceflight Now . 2024-08-02 . en-US.
  46. Web site: Falcon 9 Block 5 BlueBird Block 1 #1-5 . 2024-08-02 . nextspaceflight.com . en.
  47. Web site: Attachment Petition SAT-PDR-20200413-00034 . 2022-11-15 . fcc.report.
  48. Web site: Fonder . Samantha . 30 October 2020 . NASA comments to AS . https://web.archive.org/web/20211110054703/https://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=2765834 . 10 November 2021 . PDF . 2022-11-15 . licensing.fcc.gov.
  49. Web site: November 3, 2020 . NASA Makes a Surprise Statement, Calling Out Private Space Start-up for Big Risks . The New York Observer.
  50. News: February 23, 2022 . Star wars: why Nasa objects to Elon Musk's space race . Financial Times .
  51. Web site: Texas satellite company defends itself against NASA criticisms . November 5, 2020 . 21 July 2022 . Ars Technica.
  52. Web site: Policymakers oblige 5G satellite aspirants . 21 July 2022 . Light Reading.
  53. Web site: Fonder . Samantha . 20 November 2020 . NASA Response to AST . https://web.archive.org/web/20210430173946/https://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=2858625 . 30 April 2021 . PDF . 2022-11-15 . licensing.fcc.gov.
  54. Web site: FCC INTERNATIONAL BUREAU File Number = SATPDR2020041300034 . 2022-11-15 . licensing.fcc.gov.
  55. Web site: Moritz . Scott . 5 October 2022 . AT&T CEO Says His Satellite Service Has Lead on Musk's . https://archive.today/20221115040746/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-05/at-t-ceo-says-his-satellite-phone-service-has-lead-over-musk-s?srnd=industries-telecom&leadSource=uverify%20wall . 15 November 2022 . 2022-11-15 . www.bloomberg.com.
  56. Web site: Shields . Todd . Moritz . Scott . 14 November 2022 . Direct-to-Satellite Cell-Phone Service Poised For Another Try . https://archive.today/20221114185341/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-11-14/direct-to-satellite-cell-phone-service-poised-for-another-try . 14 November 2022 . 2022-11-16 . www.bloomberg.com.
  57. Web site: Sheetz . Michael . AST SpaceMobile hits key milestone toward satellite-to-smartphone 5G service . 2022-11-16 . CNBC . November 14, 2022 . en.
  58. Web site: FCC Grants AST SpaceMobile Experimental License . Satellite Today . May 3, 2022 . 21 July 2022.
  59. Web site: O’Callaghan . Jonathan . 9 September 2022 . Huge satellite could outshine all stars and planets in the night sky . https://archive.today/20221008140242/https://www.newscientist.com/article/2337336-huge-satellite-could-outshine-all-stars-and-planets-in-the-night-sky/ . 8 October 2022 . 2022-11-15 . New Scientist . en-US.
  60. Mallama, A. . Cole, R.E. . Harrington, S. . Maley, P.D. . 2022-11-30 . Visual magnitude of the BlueWalker 3 satellite . 2211.09811 .
  61. Mallama, A. . Cole, R.E. . Tilley, S. . Bassa, C. . Harrington, S. . 2022-05-01 . BlueWalker 3 satellite brightness characterized and modeled . 2305.00831 .
  62. Nandakumar, S., Eggl, S., Tregloan-Reed, J. et al. The high optical brightness of the BlueWalker 3 satellite. Nature (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06672-7

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