Blue Origin New Glenn rocket grabs first commercial deal from AST SpaceMobile

Blue Origin and AST SpaceMobile have announced the first commercial deal for connectivity satellite launch with the New Glenn heavy rocket for the next two years.

This is a multi-mission agreement to launch multiple next-gen Block 2 Blue Bird satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO) from Blue Origin’s Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

AST SpaceMobile is building a cellular broadband network in space to directly operate as a service for unmodified mobile devices similar to SpaceX’s Direct to Cell satellites.

This project is designed for commercial and government applications and the new launch agreement will allow the company to improve its satellite coverage.

AST Mobile initially planned to rollout direct satellite connectivity services in the US, Europe, Japan, and other strategic markets. The first missions will launch in 2025 and expand through 2026 for 60 block 2 satellites.

Blue Origin New Glenn Launch Vehicle at Launch Complex 36 (LC-36) (Credit: Blue Origin)

Block 2 BlueBirds

These next-generation satellites are designed with up to 10 times bandwidth capacity compared to existing BlueBird satellites. It will improve the company’s 24/7 cellular broadband service coverage.

It’s targeting around 100% nationwide satellite coverage in the US with more than 5,600 coverage cells. These satellites will use 40 MHz beams with peak data transmission speeds up to 120 Mbps and support voice, internet, and video calling.

Block 2 BlueBirds features up to 2,400 square foot communications arrays, more than 700 square feet in size of AST BlueBird 1-5 and BlueWalker 3.

New Glenn

This rocket stands 320 feet (98 meters) tall and its first stage is designed for 25 missions. The booster equips seven BE-4 engines powered by liquified natural gas.

The second stage uses two BE-3U vacuum engines, which take the payload into orbit. These two BE-3U engines generate 160,000 lbf vacuum thrust. The rocket has a seven-meter fairing, which can house up to 8 Block 2 BlueBirds.

The first New Glenn flight was anticipated in November this year but the company has not shared any specific dates for the time being.

(source)