AST SpaceMobile unfolds first production satellites for direct-to-smartphone service

AST SpaceMobile has successfully unfolded its first five production satellites, launched to low Earth orbit last month. These Block 1 BlueBird satellites feature large solar arrays and are designed for direct-to-smartphone broadband service. The company is conducting health checks on the satellites while awaiting regulatory approval to test services with AT&T and Verizon in the U.S. AST SpaceMobile aims to help U.S. telecoms provide coverage outside cellular networks. Next year, AST SpaceMobile plans to launch Block 2 BlueBird satellites, which will have significantly increased processing bandwidth. The company was also selected for a program aimed at accelerating satellite technology development.