July 1st saw AST SpaceMobile write to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asking for permission to ship the satellite from its Texas HQ to the Indian launch site and for the FCC to grant an “experimental authority to launch and test” the satellite.
AST is planning for a space-based cellular broadband network, and the FM1 satellite was originally planned to launch in July.
Coincidentally, AST has received permission for the launch of a second Bluebird craft with SpaceX. Pre-launch checks, including Radio Frequency transmissions, will start on July 31st. The test covers its UHF, S-band and Q and V-band signals.
It is possible – but not confirmed – that launch would take place within about one month of those tests being completed. There are also suggestions – again, not confirmed – that this second satellite could launch ahead of the Indian flight.
AST is working with Vodafone, Rakuten, AT&T and Verizon as its major terrestrial partners, but it needs at least 25 satellites on-orbit before a partial service can begin. It already has five of its Mk 1 smaller satellites in orbit.
AST is asking for permission to fly the FM1 satellite out by July 11th in order for a safe shipment and launch in August.
Failure to do so will place our ability to launch in August at significant risk,” stated the AST letter to the FCC—the delays might extend beyond August. The FCC, in its response to AST, said, “Due to substantial changes in the technical parameters of your S-band request, we will need to coordinate new spot frequencies with NTIA (National Telecommunications & Information Administration). This will restart the coordination timeline with NTIA.”
A recent report on June 25th from investment analysts at Bank of America Securities placed gave AST a ‘Neutral’ rating and a share price target of $55. The bank says it expects an initial service to begin by “early 2026.” The overall target is for 248 satellites to be launched.
AST has also joined the European Standards organization (ETSI) which is the officially recognized body for establishing information and communication technology standards across Europe.
