Midland-made satellite set for April 19 launch from Cape Canaveral

AST SpaceMobile is preparing to launch its Midland-made satellite, BlueBird 7, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Blue Origin's New Glenn launch vehicle.

The event, scheduled for April 19, will be livestreamed on AST SpaceMobile's YouTube channel. The orbital launch is planned for a 6:45-8:45 a.m. ET window. The exact launch time is subject to change based on factors including launch vehicle readiness and weather conditions, so viewers should monitor AST SpaceMobile's social media channels for updates.

AST SpaceMobile is building a space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly with everyday smartphones for commercial and government applications.

BlueBird 7 is part of AST SpaceMobile's next-generation commercial satellites, built at its Midland facility, and designed to deliver direct-to-device cellular broadband connectivity from space to standard, unmodified smartphones at expected peak data speeds exceeding 120 Mbps.

BlueBird 7 has the largest communications array ever deployed in low Earth orbit, spanning about 2,400 square feet. These satellites are designed to support full 4G and 5G broadband speeds, including voice, data and video services. They are engineered with the power and sensitivity needed to connect directly to everyday mobile phones from low Earth orbit.

"Every launch brings us closer to fulfilling our mission: connecting billions of people through space-based cellular broadband," said Scott Wisniewski, president of AST SpaceMobile, in a statement. "Engineered and built in Texas, these satellites are the realization of years of innovation and execution and a testament to our world-class manufacturing capabilities."

The company has agreements with more than 50 mobile network operators globally, representing nearly 3 billion subscribers combined, as well as strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, American Tower, Bell and stc Group.

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 10:02 PM.