AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) announced that its BlueBird satellites 8, 9, and 10 are scheduled to launch on June 17, 2026, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch window opens at 2:39 a.m. EDT and extends until 4:15 a.m.

The satellites will support AST SpaceMobile's space-based cellular broadband network, which provides voice, data, and video services to standard smartphones. The company states that these next-generation BlueBird satellites are expected to deliver nearly double the peak data speeds of its initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites, which achieved peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones.

According to the company, the BlueBird satellites feature the largest commercial communications arrays deployed in low Earth orbit, measuring approximately 2,400 square feet. The satellites utilize AST SpaceMobile's stackable satellite architecture with advanced composite carbon structures designed for multi-satellite launches.

"Each BlueBird satellite launched expands our ability to support seamless space-based broadband mobile connectivity directly to everyday smartphones," said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile.

AST SpaceMobile reports having agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators globally representing over 3 billion subscribers combined. The company has partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group and American Tower.

The company operates approximately 95% of its technology in-house through a workforce of over 2,250 employees across more than 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operations facilities. AST SpaceMobile noted that launch timing may change due to factors including launch provider readiness, weather conditions, and other variables beyond the company's control.