As AST SpaceMobile tries to compete with SpaceX’s cellular Starlink system, the company is facing a possible delay with a crucial prototype satellite.
The FM1 prototype was supposed to launch this month via India’s space agency, ISRO, marking an important step in helping AST SpaceMobile deliver satellite connectivity to phones. But last week, the ISRO’s chairman indicated that FM1 won’t take off on time, according to local media.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan was recorded twice saying that the satellite launch will occur within three or even four months, presumably pushing the FM1’s deployment to late Q4. According to The Hindu newspaper, the satellite is slated to arrive in India in September.
Any delay risks pushing back AST’s timeline to deliver satellite connectivity to phones. That’s because the FM1 is a prototype designed to test the company’s second-generation BlueBird satellite design, which is about three times larger than its existing five BlueBird satellites in orbit.
AST SpaceMobile hasn’t responded to questions about when the FM1 will launch or if it’s revamping its plans and looking for a new launch provider. (In FCC documents, AST has also mentioned the development of an FM2.) But the company is expected to reveal more details in an earnings call on Monday, Aug. 11.
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The company already told the US Federal Communications Commission last month that it plans on “launching up to 20 satellites, including FM1” through the end of this year. The goal is to start offering a commercial satellite service as soon as early 2026, giving consumers on AT&T and Verizon a new way to remain connected in cellular dead zones.
However, AST has previously estimated it needs between 45 to 60 satellites in orbit to offer continuous service across the US. The company also needs to secure approval from the FCC before it can kick off commercial services. Meanwhile, rival SpaceX has already launched its cellular Starlink service through partner T-Mobile.
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About Michael Kan
Senior Reporter
