An initial date of 15 December was set to launch the first BlueBird 6 low Earth orbit satellite. AST SpaceMobile stated the next-generation equipment is three-and-a-half times larger than its current birds and deliver ten-times more data capacity.

Abel Avellan, founder, chair and CEO, said the BlueBird 6 satellites “will soon enable ubiquitous” mobile broadband coverage “direct to everyday smartphones”.

The company noted all launch plans are subject to change based on environmental conditions and the readiness of its launch facility, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India.

It is working to lay the foundations for a significant increase in the number of satellites in orbit over the next 12 months. The goals involve launching the first five BlueBird 6 birds by the close of Q1 2026 and ultimately letting between 45 and 60 fly by the end of the year.

AST SpaceMobile’s launch targets are backed by a hike in production: it aims to manufacture the equivalent number of micron panels to run 40 satellites by early 2026.

Separate information explains its micron panels contain solar cells on one side and antennas on the other.

The post AST SpaceMobile reveals BlueBird 6 launch plan appeared first on Mobile World Live.

As part of the plans, the duo have selected Germany as the location for a main Satellite Operations Centre, located near either Munich or Hannover depending on final negotiations.

The centre will be used to allocate and map satellite connectivity used by SatCo to serve operators across Europe.

In addition to commercial mobile broadband services, the planned EU constellation will support public protection and disaster relief efforts through providing connectivity from space to smartphones and other devices, “even in the most dangerous and challenging environments”.

A filing has been made with the ITU through Germany to register a new mid-band satellite constellation.

The command switch feature is designed to support all telemetry, tracking and control encryption keys for S-band, which is used to connect smartphones from space. It will also aid the Q/V band that can provide links between satellite and earth stations.

The feature allows for the modification of service encryption keys for communications across the continent and manages the activation, deactivation and direction of satellite beams in Europe.

Embedded in Europe
Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile unveiled the SatCo joint venture at MWC Barcelona 2025, a jointly owned satellite business to serve MNOs in Europe.

In June, it fleshed out plans to roll out commercial services in 2026, with operators in 21 European Member states showing interest in the proposition.

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group CEO, said by establishing a satellite constellation in the EU and a command centre in Germany, “we are ensuring the next frontier of communications infrastructure is firmly embedded in Europe”.

The post Vodafone, AST to form European satellite constellation appeared first on Mobile World Live.

In a joint statement the companies explained the deal is the first in the region for AST SpaceMobile and involves a $175 million upfront service payment by stc along with a long-term revenue commitment.

AST SpaceMobile plans to build three ground stations in Saudi Arabia along with a network operations centre in Riyadh to manage the service.

The integration of AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular broadband network with stc’s terrestrial infrastructure will help extend 4G and 5G coverage to remote areas, they stated.

Consumers, enterprises and government users will gain access to broadband and voice services, with the companies targeting a commercial launch in Q4 2026, subject to regulatory approvals from Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and other regional authorities.

The partners aim to expand mobile coverage to millions of users in underserved areas across stc’s 15-country footprint, which includes subsidiaries in Kuwait and Bahrain.

AST SpaceMobile founder and CEO Abel Avellan said the collaboration “will create a paradigm shift in how people connect” and is “a major leap forward” toward universal broadband coverage.

The post stc, AST ink multi-year satellite broadband deal appeared first on Mobile World Live.

From next year, the pair stated they will combine Verizon’s terrestrial infrastructure, 850MHz spectrum assets and AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular network in low earth orbit to allow customers to stay connected “wherever they are, from hiking trails to city centres and everywhere in between”.

The deal marks an expansion from a strategic partnership struck between the duo in May 2024, when Verizon pledged to invest $100 million in AST SpaceMobile. Verizon’s partnership was announced shortly after AST SpaceMobile signed a six-year D2D extension to an agreement with AT&T.

Chief rival to the pair T-Mobile US has a D2D agreement in place with Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Ubiquitous reach
Abel Avellan, CEO of AST SpaceMobile, said through its definitive commercial agreement with Verizon, it was working to deliver coverage from space “across the continental United States”.

He added: “This agreement will extend the scope of Verizon’s 850MHz premium-low band into areas of the US that would benefit from the ubiquitous reach of space-based broadband technology”.

The satellite company explained the agreement with Verizon had been reached following testing milestones, including a Voice over LTE call made from a smartphone on a Verizon network in Texas, connecting via an AST SpaceMobile satellite to another Verizon smartphone in New Jersey.

Srini Kapala, SVP of technology and product development at Verizon, added it was creating “a new paradigm of connectivity that will unlock the full potential of the digital age”, through the partnership.

The post Verizon, AST SpaceMobile target 2026 D2D launch appeared first on Mobile World Live.

The testing schedule also involved a video call, transmitting broadband data, video streaming, SMS and emergency alerts.

Bell stated the VoLTE element is a first in Canada and the series of tests position it to launch a commercial satellite service in 2026, with coverage reaching north of the 59^th parallel and into coastal maritime zones.

The commercial service is set to cover 5.7 million square kms using Bell’s own terrestrial base stations.

Mark McDonald, EVP and CTO of Bell, said the tests capitalise on investments the operator began making in AST SpaceMobile in 2021. He predicted “significant possibilities for enterprises including remote operations and monitoring in sectors like natural resources, energy and the environment, providing critical data and enabling new efficiencies for Canadian businesses”.

Bell stated the satellite capability would also boost emergency response services and improve remote operations in industries including mining, forestry, agriculture and energy.

It also expects a connectivity bump for residential customers.

AST SpaceMobile CCO Chris Ivory said the tests are a “breakthrough achievement” in the companies’ mission to “bring the benefits of cellular broadband to Canadians”.

Canadian rival Rogers Communications beta-launched a direct-to-device messaging service earlier this year, with a target of moving to a full service this month and ultimately offering connectivity for apps, data and voice services.

The post Bell plots direct satellite service launch in 2026 appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Avellan said there will be six to eight Block2 Bluebird satellites per launch in 2026, with launches occurring every 45 days. He stated the company now has the capacity to build six Block2 Bluebirds per month.

“Everyone is deeply confused,” Tim Farrar, an analyst at TMF Associates, told Mobile World Live (MWL). “This statement of ‘six to eight’ satellites per launch by Avellan is what has created the problem.”

The Block2 satellites have ten-times the capacity of its first-generation birds and are three times larger.

The upcoming launches are key for supporting AST SpaceMobile’s full voice, data, and video space-based cellular broadband services.

It is anticipating at least five orbital launches by 31 March, with lift off occurring every one to two months on average to reach its goal of 45 to 60 birds in orbit by end-2026.

“We are preparing to deploy nationwide intermittent services in the United States by the end of this year with our US MNO partners AT&T and Verizon, followed by the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada in Q1 2026,” Avellan said.

The company has completed assembly of microns for phased arrays of eight Block 2 BlueBird satellites, which Farrar stated in a blog is enough for four launches.

The satellite operator has launch agreements on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and with Blue Origin’s New Glenn vehicle but did not say which rockets it will use to hit its goal.

Not happening
Chris Quilty, founder and CEO of space sector research and strategic advisory firm Quilty Space, told MWL Blue Origin hasn’t commented on its launch cadence since late-2024 when the company forecast eight to ten year launches this year, “which is not happening,” and 24 next year. 

“With the exception of SpaceX, all of their launch providers are shifting to the right,” Quilty said.  “United Launch Alliance was forecasting 20 launches this year but now they’re targeting nine this year and 20 to 25 next year.”

Farrar stated due to the larger size, there will be three next-gen birds on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket following single deployments of its delayed FM1 and FM2 satellites.  He noted the New Glenn rockets will not be available to AST SpaceMobile until later next year.

“They might get two New Glenn launches in before the end of 2026,” he explained. “Of course, there’s no point in building six satellites per month, let alone 40 sets of microns by early 2026,  if you can only launch three satellites per launch on the only rocket you have access to for the next year.”

The post Analysis: Is AST SpaceMobile launch schedule a pipedream? appeared first on Mobile World Live.

In a company update Avellan said it had six satellites in orbit today. Five are fully operational and one test satellite is for commercial and government applications.

It plans to ramp up significantly in the coming months.

The company has completed assembly of microns for phased arrays of eight Block 2 BlueBird satellites, “and we are on target to complete 40 satellites equivalent of microns by early 2026 to support full voice, data and video space-based cellular broadband services”.

Intermittent services in the US will begin at the end of 2025, followed by the UK, Japan and Canada in Q1 the following year, “with planned orbit launches every one or two months on average during 2025 and 2026″, added Avellan.

On the FM1 prototype satellite, which has faced two delays, the company said it will be ready to ship this month, but a launch date was not confirmed. It will become AST SpaceMobile’s seventh satellite in orbit.

Avellan also referenced the recent purchase of S-Band spectrum, stating it now has a path for premium spectrum on a global basis.

From the second half of 2025, it maintained expectations for revenue to hit $50 million to $75 million, generated from government and commercial customers.

The post AST SpaceMobile sets out deployment plan appeared first on Mobile World Live.

The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025 and will provide AST SpaceMobile with access to an additional 60MHz of mid-band spectrum.

AST SpaceMobile chair and CEO Abel Avellan said the company’s ASICs are “designed with S-band capabilities in mind”.

“With these new spectrum priority rights, we will be in a position to bring services in S-band to targeted markets around the world,” he explained.

AST SpaceMobile stated it entered into an agreement on 5 August “to acquire an entity that holds certain S-band ITU priority rights” for mobile satellite services.

Tim Farrar, president at TMF Associates, posted on X that in addition to not naming the entity it is buying the spectrum from, the deal is for priority rights and not actual operations.  

He also posted the spectrum rights appear to be related to a company called Sky and Space Global (SSG) which went public and then failed a few years ago.

“The new reported owner of SSG is a company called Elliosat which was set up earlier this year and is controlled by two people based in Texas, who are presumably undertaking this transaction with AST,” he stated.

The direct-to-device satellite player is headquartered in Midland, Texas.

He explained the rights are extremely old, as SSG launched its three satellites in 2017 and it is “far from clear this is worth anything, but $26M is cheap to distract from the delays”.

Farrar has a contentious relationship on X with AST SpaceMobile’s retail investors.

The post AST SpaceMobile pays $64M for S-band spectrum appeared first on Mobile World Live.

CEO Abel Avellan first stated on AST SpaceMobile’s Q2 earnings call in May it planned to launch its first Block2 Bluebird known as FM1 in July, but the launch fell through.

It then submitted a filing with the US Federal Communications Commission on 1 July, seeking permission to transport the satellite to India for a launch in August using an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rocket.

After citing development issues, The Hindu newspaper reported the FM1 will arrive in India in September. ISRO chair V. Narayanan stated twice on a recent YouTube video the Block2 Bluebird will launch three to four months after its arrival.

The Block2 Bluebird low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, which has ten-times the capacity of its current first-generation birds, is key for AST SpaceMobile’s plan to deliver ubiquitous voice, video and data services to smartphones in dead zones through partnerships with mobile operators including AT&T and Verizon.

AST SpaceMobile told the FCC it planned to launch up to 20 of the second-generation birds through the end of this year with a goal of offering commercial services in early 2026.

The Block2 Bluebirds feature up to 2,400 square foot communications arrays with beams designed to support a capacity of 40MHz, enabling peak data transmission rates of 120Mb/s.

The satellite operator previously stated it plans to build 40 second-generation satellites this year with a long-term goal of 90 to enable global service.

T-Mobile US’ direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service provisioned by Starlink birds made its nationwide debut on 24 July after six months of beta testing.

AST SpaceMobile used SpaceX to launch its first five birds in 2024, but later inked a multi-year agreement with Blue Origin to use its New Glenn rocket.

AST SpaceMobile did not respond to questions from Mobile World Live on the launch schedule for FM1 going forward. It is hosting an earnings call on 11 August.

The post AST SpaceMobile’s next-gen bird launch delayed appeared first on Mobile World Live.

AT&T holds the contract for public safety communications system FirstNet, which asked the FCC in a 18 July filing to allow a commercial deployment of the D2D service with AST SpaceMobile using Band 14 spectrum.

Earlier this week, AST SpaceMobile also sought the FCC’s permission to commercially deploy the service.

FirstNet already uses the 700MHz frequency band, known as Band 14, to provide first responders with connectivity. Band 14 is ideal for satellite services because it is deployed nationwide.

The goal of the D2D service is to provide connectivity in rural areas or locations where a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, knocks out the terrestrial network.

The commercial deployment request followed a separate FCC filing in April which sought permission to conduct a test of the D2D service using AST SpaceMobile’s birds.

A representative for AT&T told Mobile World Live the operator expects the FCC to put the two filings, and any related AST SpaceMobile filings, out for public notice prior to approvals, but noted it is too early to give a specific date for when the service will be available.

The FCC’s deadline for comments on AST SpaceMobile’s plan to launch a total of 248 low earth orbit (LEO) birds was due on Monday (21 July).

SpaceX complaint
Earlier this month, the FCC granted an experimental licence for AST SpaceMobile to launch its first Block2 Bluebird low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, which has ten-times the capacity of its current first-generation birds.

The Block2 Bluebirds feature up to 2,400 square foot communications arrays with beams designed to support a capacity of 40MHz, enabling peak data transmission rates of 120Mb/s.

Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, which is provisioning T-Mobile US’ direct-to-device service through Starlink satellites, opposes the Block2 Bluebirds.

On Tuesday, SpaceX sent a letter to the FCC which stated AST SpaceMobile’s application to operate 248 “tennis court-sized satellites” could lead to collisions in space and result in debris falling towards earth.

It stated AST SpaceMobile “underestimates its collision risk by assuming its dead satellites will stay in their optimal orientation even when AST loses control of them”.

The post AST SpaceMobile, AT&T lean into first responders appeared first on Mobile World Live.

CEO Abel Avellan stated on AST SpaceMobile’s Q2 earnings call in May the company planned to launch its first Block2 Bluebird known as FM1 this month, but the plans fell through.

In a filing to the FCC on 1 July FCC, AST SpaceMobile sought permission to transport the satellite to India for a launch in August.

The experimental licence granted by the FCC on 11 July strictly prohibits AST SpaceMobile from “conducting any commercial operations” from FM1.

AST SpaceMobile’s second-generation birds are key to its plan to deliver ubiquitous voice, video and data services to smartphones in dead zones through partnerships with mobile operators including AT&T and Verizon.

The Block2 Bluebirds feature up to 2,400 square foot communications arrays with beams designed to support a capacity of 40MHz, enabling peak data transmission rates of 120Mb/s.

AST SpaceMobile plans to build 40 second-generation satellites this year with a long-term goal of 90 to enable global service.

On its Q1 earnings call, an AST SpaceMobile executive stated it estimated average capital costs including direct materials and launch expenditure for the constellation would fall in the range of $21 million to $23 million per satellite.

It previously estimated the cost would be $19 million to $21 million.

AST SpaceMobile is seeking to raise $500 million over the next three years to broaden its constellation.

SpaceX rivalry
Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, which is provisioning T-Mobile US’ direct-to-device service through Starlink satellites, opposes the Block2 Bluebirds.

In April, it told the FCC AST SpaceMobile’s experimental licence application contained “worrying discrepancies in its orbital debris mitigation plan that require clarification before granting authorisation to launch”.

SpaceX used an FCC filing made in June to criticise AST SpaceMobile’s paperwork and argue its “experimental licence application and supplemental submissions fail to demonstrate substantial completeness or compliance with the Commission’s rules, or that authorising these high-risk test operations would serve the public interest”.

AST SpaceMobile responded on 1 July, stating SpaceX’s allegations “further demonstrate a continued pattern of anticompetitive behaviour aimed at impeding” its progress.

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Non-dilutive financing pumps additional funding into AST SpaceMobile without a requirement to sell new shares or a stake in the business.

CFO Andrew Johnson stated it is “the first such type of financing agreement for the company and reflects our stage of rapid growth and transition from research and development to full-scale manufacturing and network deployment”.

The satellite service provider issued a stock prospectus in May as it seeks to raise $500 million over the next three years to broaden its constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

Johnson previously said AST SpaceMobile estimated average capital costs including direct materials and launch outlay for its constellation of more than 90 Block 2 BlueBird satellites would fall in the range of $21 million to $23 million per satellite.

Plans to conduct five launches over a period of up to nine months announced in May appear to have hit a snag.

AST SpaceMobile used SpaceX to launch its first five birds in 2024 but later inked a multi-year agreement with Blue Origin to use its New Glenn rocket for some of its satellites.

Ars Technica reported earlier this week Blue Origin’s plan to launch its New Glenn rocket next month was pushed back to September or October and may not be available to carry AST SpaceMobile’s satellites until sometime in 2026.

TMF Associates president Tim Farrar told Mobile World Live AST SpaceMobile’s cost for launching satellites would increase because it would now have to buy more room on SpaceX Falcon 9 (F9) rockets.

“They are planning to launch only three satellites on each F9″, he said, adding “every little bit helps” regarding the latest funding.

He noted non-dilutive financing “is likely cheaper and more flexible” than the Export-Import Bank of the United States loan AST SpaceMobile originally sought to help pay for the New Glenn launches.

The post AST SpaceMobile scores extra $100M financing appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Vodafone, AST reveal SatCo 2026 launch, HQ

What happened: Vodafone Group and AST SpaceMobile moved their joint satellite venture, SatCo, a step closer to take-off by revealing plans for a commercial launch in 2026 and confirming Luxembourg as the company’s headquarters.

Why it matters: First announced during MWC Barcelona 2025, SatCo is set to deliver direct-to-device satellite connectivity across Europe with aims to build out partnerships spanning both the public and private sectors. In the update this week, the companies also indicated strong regional demand for the service, citing interest from operators across 21 EU member states and several other European countries. Furthermore, the decision to base the business in Luxembourg reflects the country’s robust digital credentials and central location, offering a strategic foundation for distributing AST’s satellite services across the region via a single turnkey model. Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle called the JV “an important initiative for Europe,” hailing its role in helping the continent “take the lead in new direct-to-device mobile broadband technology.” Indeed, the targeted launch marks a move towards reducing digital divides and enhancing critical infrastructure across the region.

Nothing enters the matrix with latest phone

What happened: Nothing took the wraps off its “first true flagship smartphone”, the Phone (3), as well as its first over-ear headphones at a launch event in London, deepening its push into the premium device segment.

Why it matters: The device introduced a refreshed design featuring the Glyph Matrix, a circular rear mini-display, as well as fresh AI capabilities. CEO Carl Pei described the approach as “a blend of useful features and more stupid, fun features,” with the target audience remaining squarely focused on younger, design-conscious users. CCS Insight’s chief analyst Ben Wood praised the transition to the new design as “a more intelligible way of sharing information” compared to its predecessor’s abstract style. He hailed the progress of the three-year-old brand, which now claims over $1 billion in annual revenue. “When Phone (1) launched, people were excited, but the general consensus was that Nothing would likely fail. A few years later, the company has shipped several million phones,” he explained. Furthermore, priced from $799, the latest device positions Nothing squarely against higher-tier rivals like Samsung’s Galaxy S25. Indeed, Wood warned that despite its success, there is “zero room for complacency in the cut-throat smartphone business”, stating that as Nothing continues to scale its business, “the stakes will get even higher”. 

HPE, Juniper acquisition closes; bosses talk strategy

What happened: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) officially closed its $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks just two days after receiving the green light from the US Department of Justice (DoJ).

Why it matters: The deal doubles the size of HPE’s networking business and gives it a full-stack modern networking portfolio that spans from silicon to software, along with cloud-native and AI-native capabilities. HPE CEO Antonio Neri and former Juniper CEO Rami Rahim laid out integration plans in a joint briefing, highlighting an aggressive push into AI, secure networking and hybrid cloud. Rahim will now lead the combined networking division, which brings together HPE Networking, Juniper, and HPE’s security and networking subsidiary Aruba under a single umbrella. The DoJ approval came with conditions, including the licensing of Juniper’s Mist AI Ops WLAN code via auction, and the sale of HPE’s Aruba Instant On WLAN business. Neri downplayed the impact, calling the latter a “very small business” and clarifying that Mist’s IP remains under HPE. “This is a licensing, not a divestiture,” he added. In a statement, Ben Fallon, global sales VP at Juniper, explained that the merger folds Juniper’s AI-native full stack Mist into Aruba, priming the companies to create a “next-gen platform built for AI workloads, modern data centres, and edge environments”. Fallon hailed the merger as a bridge towards providing customers with greater choice. “In a market often dominated by one major player, we’ll stand as a strong alternative; blending innovation, scale, and true multi-vendor agility,” he explained. 

The post Vodafone SatCo set for 2026; Nothing dials up new phone appeared first on Mobile World Live.

The companies first announced plans at MWC Barcelona 2025 to create SatCo, a jointly owned satellite business serving MNOs in Europe with a direct-to-mobile service, with the aim of providing services to benefit European citizens, businesses and the public sector.

In a statement providing an update on progress, the companies revealed SatCo would be based in Luxembourg, with the pair pointing to the country’s strong digital credentials and strategic location to provide the ideal platform to exclusively distribute AST SpaceMobile’s satellite service to European operators under a single turnkey arrangement.

It also stated it had received expressions of interest from mobile operators covering 21 European Union (EU) member states and other European countries about using the service, with commercial launches expected from next year.

Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile added they are in close contact with the Luxembourg government, key European policymakers, EU member states and industry stakeholders to advance national and European digital sovereignty by promoting a cohesive space strategy.

SatCo will forge private and public sector painters with the aim of boosting Europe’s direct-to-mobile space based broadband connectivity.

Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle said SatCo was “an important initiative for Europe and would help the continent “take the lead in new direct-to-device mobile broadband technology”.

Vodafone Group, alongside Verizon and AT&T, are key investors in AST SpaceMobile.

The post Vodafone, AST reveal SatCo 2026 launch, HQ appeared first on Mobile World Live.

AST SpaceMobile stated field test use cases included real-time connectivity to a Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) over a VPN, multimedia streaming via TAK and secure multi-party video calls, all completed on standard, unmodified smartphones.

Fairwinds, which specialises in designing and integrating communications services to serve defence agencies, is a long-term partner to AST SpaceMobile providing military tactical support, as the space company continues to explore direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications for the US government and across defence applications.

The demonstration was completed near AST SpaceMobile’s gateway facility in Oahu, Hawaii, with participation from the US Indo-Pacific Command, including representation from the US Navy, Marine Corps and US Space Command.

AST SpaceMobile, which claims to be building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible by smartphones, explained the deal with Fairwinds is supported by the US’ Defense Innovation Unit’s Cyber and Telecom portfolio, which aims to evaluate the viability of space-based D2D communications for resilient, tactical networks in denied or austere environments.

Chris Ivory, chief commercial and government business officer at AST SpaceMobile, said the demonstration represented a significant leap forward for the US defence community and supported national security objectives.

The company said it planned further protoype demonstrations going forward, including over open ocean environments in the coming months.

The development follows the agreement of a defence deal in Singapore, struck last month.

The post AST SpaceMobile completes NTN defence demo appeared first on Mobile World Live.

The companies stated satellite communications would complement terrestrial connectivity to expand mobile broadband access in challenging terrains where deployment of terrestrial infrastructure “might be difficult”.

It brings together Vodafone Idea’s national network and AST SpaceMobile’s space-based mobile technology.

The satellite company states it is building the world’s first and only space-based mobile broadband network accessible directly from standard smartphones: it recently conducted what it asserts was the first voice and video call from space using a regular device.

In March, it announced a deal with Vodafone Group to create a jointly-owned satellite service business, catering to MNOs across European markets.

Digital India
Aligning with the government’s Digital India initiative, the pair will collaborate on the AST SpaceMobile Satellite System, a space-based ecosystem designed to expand the Indian operator’s terrestrial connectivity services including voice, data streaming, video and internet access.

It will “encompass the design, implementation and launch of this system, wherein AST SpaceMobile will develop, manufacture and manage the satellite constellation”. Vodafone Idea will, in turn, oversee terrestrial network integration, operating spectrum and market access.

AST SpaceMobile CCO Chris Ivory said the partnership would help unlock new possibilities for emergency response, disaster management, agriculture and remote learning.

The companies added they would also work together to develop commercial offerings for diverse sectors including consumer, enterprise and IoT.

In March, Vodafone Idea’s rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel forged separate deals with SpaceX to deploy the Elon Musk-owned company’s Starlink broadband services.

The post Vodafone Idea, AST team on India D2D push appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Trump tariffs set aside over lack of authority

What happened: US President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape global trade through aggressive tariffs took a legal hit after a US court ruled he lacked the authority to impose some levies central to his strategy.

Why it matters: In a flurry of tariff news this week, the US Court of International Trade struck down key tariffs targeting overseas manufacturers and tech giants like Apple, citing improper use of executive power over duties. While tariffs on steel, aluminium and vehicles remain unaffected, the decision casts doubt on fees linked to electronics and tech supply chains. The ruling came after chip giants Qualcomm, Intel and Micron raised concerns earlier this week about tariffs on critical inputs, warning they would raise costs and undermine US competitiveness. Also at stake is Trump’s goal of boosting Apple’s domestic manufacturing, after the President threatened the company with a possible 25 per cent tariff on iPhones built outside the US. While Reuters reported the administration immediately appealed the ruling, launching a legal battle that could reach the Supreme Court, the court’s decision delivers a significant blow to Trump’s controversial tariff moves threatening the technology sector.

Honor enters humanoid robotics race

What happened: Honor entered the robotics space, revealing it had developed a humanoid robot in partnership with Chinese company Unitree that had already set a new running speed record for humanoid robots, hitting 4 metres per second.

Why it matters: The Chinese vendor revealed it launched a robotics-focused incubation department in April, outlining plans to build an open AI ecosystem through industry partnerships. The moves form part of Honor’s five-year Alpha Plan revealed in March, which includes a $10 billion investment into AI as the vendor looks to expand beyond smartphone manufacturing. The push into robotics comes at a time when Honor’s smartphone business faces mounting challenges in China. Counterpoint Research revealed Honor’s smartphone sales in the country dropped 12.8 per cent year-on-year in Q1, while domestic rivals Huawei and Xiaomi posted strong growth, South China Morning Post reported. Honor’s market share also fell to 13.7 per cent, down from 16.1 per cent last year. The company’s latest robotics play may help it diversify, particularly as China ramps up focus on AI and automation, and rivals including Xiaomi and Oppo commit to similar diversification strategies, including developing electric vehicles and in-house AI agents.

Tech players dive into defence

What happened: AST SpaceMobile inked a deal with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to provide satellite-enabled emergency services in remote areas, while Nokia partnered with German software player blackned to create military networks based on 5G infrastructure.

Why it matters: AST’s low Earth orbit network will be used to boost disaster response, humanitarian efforts, and defence situational awareness for the Singapore Armed Forces. Meanwhile, Nokia and partner blackned will build high-performance, mobile tactical networks tailored for Germany’s military needs. These latest developments come as technology and telecoms players including Intel and Telia push into the defence sector with new tie-ups as defence budgets surge across Europe. Just last week, EU ambassadors gave the green light to a major defence fund worth €150 billion, fast-tracked amid rising concerns over Russian aggression and the reliability of long-term US security support for Europe. “In a rapidly evolving tactical environment, speed, mobility and adaptability are paramount,” noted Giuseppe Targia, head of space and defence at Nokia. Indeed, ASTSpaceMobile and Nokia’s latest defence plays arguably showcase the growing role of telecoms in reshaping modern military communications.

The post The Friday File: Trump tariffs blocked; Honor joins robot race appeared first on Mobile World Live.

DSTA will tap into AST SpaceMobile’s space-based broadband network to improve connectivity during humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and emergency response situations, while also offering improved situational awareness for the Singapore Armed Forces.

Financial terms of the deal are not available.

AST SpaceMobile is ramping up production to support five scheduled orbital satellite launches over the next six to nine months.

It is also raising $500 million over the next three years as part of a plan to broaden its constellation of LEO satellites for direct-to-device services.

While the satellite operator has agreements in place with AT&T, Verizon and Vodafone Group for direct-to-device services to phones, it also struck a $43 million deal with the US Space Development Agency earlier this year as it seeks to ramp up revenue.

Revenue in its most recent Q1 period was up year-on-year from $500,000 to $718,000. However, it posted a huge net loss of $45.7 million, compared to a net loss of $19.7 million in the same quarter last year. The company believes it has a H2 2025 revenue opportunity of $50 million to $75 million.

Ligado update
AST SpaceMobile’s agreement to acquire spectrum from Ligado Networks is reportedly close to being finalised.

Ligado Networks filed for bankruptcy in January as part of a plan to address near-term liabilities. That move also includes striking a deal with AST SpaceMobile for long-term access to up to 45MHz of lower mid-band spectrum in the US.

As part of Ligado Networks’ ongoing restructuring, AST SpaceMobile will receive long-term spectrum usage rights for more than 80 years to up to 40MHz of L-Band mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum in the US and Canada held by the company, plus access to an additional 5MHz in the 1670MHz to 1675MHz Band in the US.

Advanced Television reported on 27 May Ligado Networks reached an agreement with AST SpaceMobile and two of its creditors. If the agreement is uncontested, the final bankruptcy hearing is scheduled for today (29 May) in the US state of Delaware.

The post AST SpaceMobile strikes Singapore defence deal appeared first on Mobile World Live.

The company entered into agreements with B Riley Securities, Barclays Capital, BofA Securities, Cantor Fitzgerald, Deutsche Bank, Roth Capital Partners, Scotia Capital (USA), UBS Securities and William Blair & Co to act as its agents for the sale of Class A Common stock.

“AST continues to need more money as the satellite costs increase and service is delayed while they continue to burn tens of millions of dollars every quarter,” TMF Associates analyst Tim Farrar told Mobile World Live.

On its Q1 earnings call earlier this month, AST SpaceMobile EVP, CFO and CLO Andrew Johnson said the fresh round of funding would be used to “accelerate our bold operational plans to bring our SpaceMobile service to market as soon as possible”.

Johnson said AST SpaceMobile estimated average capital costs, including direct materials and launch costs for its constellation of more than 90 Block 2 BlueBird satellites, would fall in the range of $21 million to $23 million per satellite.

It previously estimated the cost would be $19 million to $21 million, but Johnson pointed to higher costs “from our announced near-term launch schedule, as well as higher direct materials costs due to recently announced tariffs”.

Revenue in its most recent Q1 period was up year-on-year from $500,000 to $718,000. However it made a huge net loss of $45.7 million, compared to a net loss of $19.7 million in the same quarter last year. It believes it has a H2 2025 revenue opportunity of $50 million to $75 million.

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In a business update as part of its Q1 2025 earnings, Avellan said, in total, it is anticipating orbital launches every one or two months on average during 2025 and 2026, while it added it is on track with satellite manufacturing of 40 Block 2 BlueBird satellites.

The first Block 2 BlueBird satellites are expected to ship in Q2 2025, with orbital launch scheduled during July 2025.

Last September it launched its first five BlueBird satellites to provide broadband service to mobile phones. It has struck deals and received investment from big name operators such as AT&T, Rakuten, Verizon and Vodafone.

Commercially, Avellan said it has expanded an opportunity with the US government to be in a position to start generating “meaningful” revenue during 2025, without providing further details. The company has struck a $43 million deal with the US Space Development Agency and another with a defence unit.

In total, its network commercialisation efforts will create a H2 2025 revenue opportunity of $50 million to $75 million.

Among its Q1 highlights, the company said it ended the quarter with a robust balance sheet of $875 million in cash, with total expenses hitting $63.7 million. Revenue was up year-on-year from $500,000 to $718,000.

However it made a huge net loss in the period of $45.7 million, compared to a net loss of $19.7 million in the same quarter last year.

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In an interview for MWL’s latest podcast focused on the Satellite and NTN market, Skylo co-founder and chief product officer Tarun Gupta said the company is set to build on its flagship Verizon deal with potential voice applications.

The operator initially offered emergency messaging and location sharing across North America using Skylo’s kit and compatible smartphones (Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25) before extending this last month to a text messaging service for friends and family using SMS over satellite when customers are out of the reach of terrestrial mobile networks.

Now Skylo wants to be able to support its mobile operator customers with voice services from space. Gupta said the company’s partners demoed Push-To-Talk (PTT) voice services at MWC25 Barcelona but bigger plans are ahead. “What you’ll see is, by the end of the year, us doing probably OTT voice, and then in about a year you’ll probably see native voice,” noted Gupta. “It’s just going to be some regulatory work that we need to work through on that, but we believe that having a native experience in your hand, where you don’t have to change user behaviour, is a huge benefit to the industry.”

Unlike competing ‘direct-to-device’ (D2D) satellite services from the likes of Starlink, AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global, Skylo is a wholesale provider that does not own satellites but instead connects its NTN kit to satellites from Viasat, Ligado, Terrestar Solutions and EchoStar.

And also unlike AST and Starlink, Skylo isn’t convinced there is a business model for superfast mobile broadband services over satellite.

“We want to make sure that we are going hand in glove with a consumer willingness to pay and a business model with the technology. Just because the technology can do video to your cell phone, I’m not convinced that is something I’d want to pay $15 or $20 a month for frankly. I’m already paying $40, $50 a month for my cellphone bill now, adding another 30% to 50% of that for that x percent of time when I’m out of cellular coverage, it seems like it’s not something I would be willing to pay for even if the technology is there.”

Skylo’s fresh approach to the D2D satellite market has also caught the attention of European operator giant Deutsche Telekom, which last month claimed Europe’s first successful trial of a D2D SMS over satellite to a commercial smartphone (Pixel 9) using Cosmote’s Greek mobile network. The trial triggered Cosmote parent Deutsche Telekom to publicly state it aims to launch the first commercial D2D messaging services in Germany and Europe by the end of this year.

Investment
Skylo has also attracted recent VC investment, adding an extra $30 million to its coffers in a round led by Nokia’s NGP Capital. The fresh funding brings its total investment raised to $183 million and will see the company ramp up its engineering base.

Gupta says one other focus of the investment will be on educating the market and its potential mobile operator customers: “How does it work? What are the use cases? And recognising that it’s not around watching Netflix when you’re out hiking in the middle of the forest, or YouTube, and not necessarily those high bandwidth services that people are looking for, but really that emergency 2G, 3G type services people need.”

Gupta argues there’s a similar level of marketing and awareness needed on partners beyond operators too. “When you think about the work that we’ve done, for example, with Android, it’s really opening up the OS to make sure that the phone and the applications know how to use NTN, and how to really switch between cellular and NTN and WiFi and all those things. So how do you make that process seamless?”

Competing with bigger players
Skylo believes its approach to the D2D satellite market – working with established satellite companies, smartphone vendors and chipset companies such as Qualcomm and Mediatek and then integrating its NTN system, essentially a virtualised RAN and core integration, across that ecosystem – is also far more cost-efficient than the strategy that new satellite players such as AST and Starlink are taking. It’s also, he claims, more technically astute.

“Frankly, the satellite portion is a very small part of the overall network and network layer that has to happen. You have to have a billing system, you have to have a NOC [Network Operations Centre], you have to have customer support, all those things that we raised that additional $30 million for to drive that side of the business. Whereas if you look at some of these guys, $30 million is the cost of one bird… and they need anywhere from 200 to 300 birds to launch a service… And if you don’t have any experience on building and operating and being able to maintain a network integration and a connectivity platform, it’s not going to work.”

What’s in it for operators?
Mobile operators clearly see D2D satellite as a vital technology in helping them close the so-called ‘coverage gap’, and many are hedging their bets when it comes to choosing their satellite partners. Skylo’s big operator customer Verizon, for example, has also invested in AST SpaceMobile and plans a major launch together, and Verizon customers can also use the T-Mobile/Starlink SMS service that’s currently in beta.

But the jury appears out on whether this can become a major new revenue generator for operators.

As Skylo’s Gupta notes, that issue isn’t helped when the might of Apple is offering SOS messaging for free on iPhones thanks to a deal with satellite player Globalstar.

He believes there are ways operators can monetise these services without charging additional revenue. He gives the example of an operator using it as an opportunity to migrate customers from a more basic lower tier package such as prepay, to a higher-ARPU postpaid plan offering D2D services.

“Churn is quite high and quite an expensive proposition for the operator. So this is also a way to get retention. What we’re also finding is operators are saying that for a low usage scenario, [NTN] prevents [them] from having to put up another cell tower, which is saving [them] capex.

“I think if you’re looking for a dollar to dollar correlation, say for example we charge $1 and the carrier then charges $1.10 or whatever [for satellite connectivity], I don’t necessarily think that is the business model, because there are multiple ways here to make NTN work for an operator.”

Gupta claims Skylo’s decision to partner with traditional satellite players and use their spectrum (rather than the AST approach which requires mobile operators to use their own prized cellular spectrum) will save operators money that way too.

“Each of these [operators] is giving up at least 10 megahertz of spectrum to each of their satellite partners. That’s a very expensive proposition for the MNOs. They spent billions of dollars of this, typically at an auction basis, at least in the US, and so to give up that value density for satellite is very, very difficult, in my opinion, as a business model.”

Full interview
Elsewhere in the podcast interview Skylo’s Gupta discusses the company’s desire to get its technology working on more smartphones, as well as services launched in Brazil, Australia and New Zealand. Plus Gupta reflects on Verizon’s SOS service already having saved multiple lives in emergency situations. Listen to the full podcast interview here.

The post Skylo finds space for voice but not video appeared first on Mobile World Live.

During the test, a signal was sent from Rakuten Mobile’s gateway earth station in Fukushima to a BlueBird satellite, which relayed it to a standard smartphone in Tokyo using a standard communications app.

The call was enabled by AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block 1 satellite and marks a step toward the launch of Rakuten’s Saikyo Satellite Service, scheduled for commercial rollout in Q4 2026. The service is designed to extend coverage to mountainous areas, remote islands and disaster-affected zones across the country.

The Japanese operator noted the trial was carried out under an initial experimental licence granted by authorities, adding it plans to secure a full experimental licence to continue testing ahead of commercial deployment.

While AST SpaceMobile launched its first commercial LEO satellites in September 2024, it partnered with Rakuten Mobile in March 2020 with the goal of delivering direct-to-device satellite connectivity without specialised hardware.

Rakuten – alongside AT&T, Google, Verizon, Vodafone, Bell Canada and American Tower – is an investor in AST.

Rakuten follows other operators (ATT and Verizon, and Vodafone) in showcasing direct to device satellite video calls with AST SpaceMobile.

Rakuten Group chairman and CEO Mickey Mikitani hailed the breakthrough, emphasising the operator’s commitment to expanding coverage. He noted that extending service to Japan’s remote and mountainous regions remains a challenge due to the complexity of building base stations in such areas, highlighting the value of satellite-based solutions.

“Japan offers fertile ground for satellite technology,” wrote CCS Insight senior analyst Luke Pearce in a recent report. “Despite the country’s extensive terrestrial coverage, the Japanese market has a high average revenue per user and strong demand for connectivity thanks to a great reliance on connectivity and a varied topography. Demand may be particularly high in areas susceptible to earthquakes or tsunamis.”

Rakuten rival KDDI meanwhile is working with Starlink on a D2D satellite service in Japan, expected to be up and running in early 2025.

The post Rakuten, AST SpaceMobile make Japan’s first satellite video call appeared first on Mobile World Live.

In a statement, 2degrees CEO Mark Callander noted excitement over the move straight to broadband services.

Callender explained this is significant because AST SpaceMobile is “not laddering through text, then voice, then data”.

He emphasised the importance of understanding the technology’s capabilities in the local environment, adding it is taking a “measured approach” and “working through regulatory processes and real-world testing over the next 12 months”.

The operator plans to invest in a dedicated ground station.

AST SpaceMobile CCO Chris Ivory said its offering is “designed to connect seamlessly with standard, unmodified mobile phones, bridging coverage gaps in remote and underserved areas”.

The company aims to offer the first commercial direct-to-device service in Europe later this year.

Its first five commercial LEO satellites went into orbit in September 2024 and are currently being used in beta tests by Verizon and AT&T.

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As part of the US Space Force, SDA aims to foster competition to deliver space-based capabilities for the US Department of Defense (DoD) through development, fielding and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

The Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture will provide multi-band global communications access and encrypted connectivity for warfighter missions, according to SDA’s website.

AST SpaceMobile landed an indirect government role in February 2024 when it was tapped to provide connectivity for an unnamed company already designated as a prime contractor.

It inked a direct US government agreement in October 2024 under the DoD to compete for prototype demonstration projects for national security space needs. Financial terms and the length of contract were not disclosed.

The satellite player will use its second-generation BlueBird satellites for the new contract following success in orbit testing on its BlueWalker-3 birds.

Chris Ivory, CCO and head of the government business unit at AST SpaceMobile, stated the second contract underscores the confidence SDA has in the company’s technology and potential to support government missions.

The company’s first five LEO BlueBird satellites were sent into orbit in September 2024 and are currently being used in beta tests by Verizon and AT&T.

The company estimates it will need 40 to 60 birds to provide continuous coverage across the US.

The post AST SpaceMobile locks up $43M US contract appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Video calls to common smartphones are the next step after the companies received special temporary authority (STA) from the Federal Communications Commission last month to test the satellite broadband network in the US.

AST SpaceMobile is using Verizon and AT&T’s 850MHz spectrum, which is compatible with standard smartphones, for a non-continuous direct-to-device service in the US.

Collectively, the five birds will provide around an hour combined of connectivity during two passes each day.

AT&T previously made a video call with the satellite player in 2023 in a test that also included Rakuten Group.

AST SpaceMobile and Vodafone Group claimed they conducted the world’s first video call using a smartphone and satellites in an area with no mobile coverage last month.

Vodafone Group, Verizon and AT&T are investors in AST SpaceMobile.

The operators and AST SpaceMobile are in a race with SpaceX and T-Mobile US and Apple to provide D2D services such as text messaging, voice calls and video applications across the US.  

The post Verizon, AT&T trial D2D video calls with AST SpaceMobile appeared first on Mobile World Live.

The facility is being partly funded by the Spanish Space Agency and is set to use open RAN principles.

Vodafone noted an ambition to promote common standards across Europe with the ultimate aim of “fostering a new European ecosystem of combined satellite and earth connectivity solutions” to enable ubiquitous connectivity.

The operator noted third-party technology companies and developers were being invited to take part in the project.

Vodafone’s move is part of an ongoing push to take advantage of satellite infrastructure provided by AST SpaceMobile, a company which it was an early investor in, to cover hard to reach areas.

Last month it conducted what was claimed to be the world’s first video call using satellite connectivity and a smartphone located in an area with no signal by traditional means.

The operator is aiming to launch commercial direct-to-smartphone satellite mobile broadband services in European countries in the next two years.

Vodafone chief network officer Alberto Ripepi said together with its partners in the project it would “will forge partnerships with like-minded organisations to build harmonious space and earth networks to meet Europe’s ambitious targets for ubiquitous digital connectivity.”

The facility is set to open in mid-2025 in Malaga, with the operator set to provide more details on its plans at MWC25 Barcelona next month.  

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The FCC’s authorisation approved testing of satellite-to-device voice, data and video services and applications.

The STA allows AST SpaceMobile to use Verizon and AT&T’s 850MHz spectrum in combination with its LEO BlueBird satellites that were sent into orbit in September 2024. That low-band spectrum is compatible with current standard smartphones.

The satellites will support non-continuous cellular broadband service across parts of the US with an eventual goal of nationwide coverage from more than 5.600 cells.

A representative for Verizon told Mobile World Live that with the FCC’s authorisation in hand, it will start testing right away.

Vikram Raval, global head of regulatory affairs at AST SpaceMobile, stated the FCC’s approvals represent a pivotal moment for the satellite player.

Chris Ivory, CMO at AST SpaceMobile, noted the company is installing five gateways in the US and testing the service with off-the-shelf handsets on the US operators’ networks.

Analyst Tim Farrar with TMF Associates told MWL that while it was expected for AST to get approval for temporary, non-commercial testing, it “still needs to make a full application that’s compliant with the FCC’s SCS (supplemental coverage from space) rules before the agency will consider granting permission to launch additional BlueBird satellites”.

AST SpaceMobile is building 17 second generation BlueBird satellites, which have a larger array than its initial birds and are scheduled to launch in 2025. The satellites will have ten-times the capacity of its current birds.

Earlier this week, Vodafone Group and AST SpaceMobile announced they had conducted what they claim is the world’s first video call using a smartphone and satellites in an area with no mobile coverage. That video call used Vodafone’s new space-to-land gateway.

AST SpaceMobile faces fierce competition in the satellite sector from Apple, T-Mobile US and Starlink and Lynk Global, among others.

The post AST SpaceMobile given FCC nod for D2D tests appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Chinese AI model DeepSeek jolts industry

What happened: Chinese AI startup DeepSeek launched its AI model dubbed DeepSeek-R1, which surpassed OpenAI’s ChatGPT in downloads on Apple’s US App Store.

Why it matters: According to experts, DeepSeek-R1 has been developed at a fraction of the typical cost and using less-advanced chips than rivalling models, raising questions about perceived US dominance in AI and the high valuations of companies including Nvidia. The model’s cost effectiveness has also cast doubts on the effectiveness on US export controls aimed at limiting China’s access to advanced chips. Restrictions could push the country to innovate by developing AI more efficiently, and this “appears to be precisely what has happened”, said Richard Windsor, founder of Radio Free Mobile. Since its launch, the US called for a national security review of the Chinese chatbot over data sovereignty concerns. Windsor added that although DeepSeek is unlikely to see immediate widespread adoption due to its Chinese ties, customers will challenge the cost of accessing other AI models.

AI to dominate a bigger MWC25

What happened: During its annual preview press conference for the upcoming MWC Barcelona 2025, scheduled for 3-6 March, the GSMA predicted that AI will dominate the big show.

Why it matters: With AI prevailing as a big topic in the industry over the last two years, the event organisers have placed major emphasis on the technology this year with the launch of its pilot AI-driven live translations programme. The initiative, in partnership with translation service Mixhalo, will provide attendees with real-time translations in languages including French, Spanish and Chinese. With leading industry experts including “AI godfather” Ray Kurzweil and Arthur Mensch, CEO and co-Founder of Mistral AI set to feature in the event’s roster of keynote speakers, GSMA CMO Lara Dewar stated “we have some of the biggest thinkers and disruptors speaking in this space”.

Vodafone, AST SpaceMobile claim video call first

What happened: A Vodafone engineer used a standard smartphone to make “the first” video call through an AST SpaceMobile’s Bluebird satellite from a mobile dead zone area in Wales, connecting to the operator’s CEO Margherita Della Valle in Newbury, UK.

Why it matters: Kester Mann, director of consumer and connectivity at CCS Insight, said the move represented a “significant milestone for the burgeoning and increasingly competitive satellite communications sector”, which has so far mostly focused on person-to-person and emergency messaging. Mann further noted that using standard smartphones for the technology offers a distinct advantage due to a vast existing market that Vodafone will target with its commercial satellite service, due to launch at some point in 2025. The offering will no doubt face tough competition from the likes of SpaceX, Lynk Global, and other satellite players, and Mann believes that satellite services in Europe will likely only play a “complementary role” due to strong mobile and fibre coverage in the region. Markets including Africa, Australia, and India would offer greater potential to connect underserved areas, he added.

The post The Friday File: China challenger causes chaos, AI to sweep MWC appeared first on Mobile World Live.

The company owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos planned to launch its New Glenn rocket on 13 January from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in the US state of Florida.

Blue Origin is attempting to compete against Elon Musk-owned SpaceX for the launch of commercial rockets which deliver various satellite payloads.

SpaceX also launches its rockets from Cape Canaveral along with sites in the states of Texas and California.

AST SpaceMobile used SpaceX to launch its first five birds in 2024, but later inked a multi-year agreement with Blue Origin to use its New Glenn rocket, which it intends to use to put some of its Block 2 BlueBird satellites into low Earth orbit.

The direct-to-device satellite company previously stated it plans to launch the second-generation birds with a larger array and up to ten-times more capacity than its originals this year.

On its Q3 2024 earnings call, chair and CEO Abel Avellan stated AST SpaceMobile plans to launch approximately 60 satellites from the Cape Canaveral Florida Space Force Station over the next two years using SpaceX and Blue Origin rockets.

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