SpaceX successfully launched three AST SpaceMobile Block 2 BlueBird satellites on August 5, 2026, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission marked a significant milestone in commercial satellite communications, as these Block 2 satellites are designed to be the largest ever deployed in Low Earth Orbit, each featuring communications arrays spanning approximately 2,400 square feet. The satellites will deliver up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of their Block 1 predecessors, with beams supporting up to 40 MHz capacity and peak data transmission speeds reaching 120 Mbps to enable voice, data, and video applications across the United States.

The Falcon 9 Block 5 vehicle lifted off at 7:42 AM UTC, carrying the BlueBird 11-13 constellation (Block 2 satellites 6-8) to Low Earth Orbit. SpaceX's proven Falcon 9 platform continues to serve as the primary launch vehicle for AST SpaceMobile's expanding satellite network, which aims to provide 24/7 continuous cellular broadband coverage nationwide.

The launch concluded successfully, advancing AST SpaceMobile's goals for seamless mobile connectivity across the country. With these three satellites now in orbit, the company moves closer to achieving comprehensive coverage through its growing constellation of advanced communications spacecraft.