### AST SpaceMobile Teams Up with Blue Origin for Next-Gen Satellite Launches

In a significant stride for the burgeoning satellite communications industry, startup AST SpaceMobile has placed its trust in Blue Origin for launching its forthcoming generation of satellites. The cutting-edge New Glenn rocket, currently in development in Florida, is slated to carry a series of AST SpaceMobile's satellites into orbit.

According to a statement released on November 14, New Glenn, along with other established launch vehicles, will collectively deploy up to 60 Block 2 BlueBird satellites in the years 2025 and 2026. This new rocket, capable of transporting eight BlueBirds per launch, boasts a 7-meter (23 feet) wide fairing, an attribute that CEO Abel Avellan emphasizes as vital for delivering widespread cellular broadband service to high-demand markets globally.

New Glenn, standing 270 feet (82 meters) tall in its two-stage configuration, and over 313 feet (95 meters) in its three-stage variant, honors its namesake, John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. This partnership marks another step in Blue Origin’s ambitious agenda as they prepare for New Glenn's inaugural launch.

AST SpaceMobile has already made initial strides with the successful launch of its first five operational satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket this September. These satellites represent the early phase of a grand plan that envisions up to 168 satellites providing direct smartphone connectivity across the globe.

Specifically crafted for low Earth orbit, the next wave of Block 2 BlueBird satellites will be substantially larger and more capable. Featuring massive 2,400-square-foot (223 square meters) communications arrays, the new satellites promise to offer up to ten times the bandwidth capacity of their predecessors.

This collaboration between AST SpaceMobile and Blue Origin signifies an important development in the mission to enhance global cellular connectivity, leveraging advanced aerospace technology to bridge communication gaps around the world.