Kent-based Blue Origin announced a multi-launch agreement to deliver next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites to low Earth orbit in space on its New Glenn rocket.
AST SpaceMobile, based in Midland, Texas, selected the company for the launches from Blue Origin’s Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. in Florida, according to a Nov. 14 Blue Origin email.
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed for both commercial and government applications, according to the email. It will operate directly with everyday smartphones and allow seamless switching between terrestrial cell towers and satellite signals depending on location and coverage needs.
“New Glenn’s performance and unprecedented capacity within its seven-meter fairing enables us to deploy more of our Block 2 BlueBird satellites in orbit, helping provide continuous cellular broadband service coverage across some of the most in-demand cellular markets globally,” said Abel Avellan, founder, chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile.
New Glenn stands more than 320 feet (98 meters) tall and is named after John Glenn, the first person to orbit Earth. Its 7-meter fairing enables twice the payload volume of any five-meter class commercial launch system.
“It’s an honor to support AST SpaceMobile’s deployment of their next generation BlueBird satellites, which will expand connectivity across the globe and positively impact many lives,” said Dave Limp, Blue Origin CEO. “New Glenn is purpose-built for these kinds of innovative and ambitious missions.”
The vehicle’s reusable first stage is designed for a minimum of 25 missions and is powered by seven Blue Origin BE-4 engines, the most powerful liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled, oxygen-rich staged combustion engine ever flown. Its second stage is powered by two BE-3U engines. Each BE-3U generates 160,000 lbf of thrust in vacuum. Blue Origin also manufactures BE-7 engines for its Blue Moon lunar landers and New Shepard’s BE-3PM engine.
New Glenn’s first launch is on track for this year, according to Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos.
According to Reuters.com, AST’s launch campaign will be in 2025 and 2026 and involve the deployment of roughly 60 next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites. Blue Origin said New Glenn will launch “multiple” such satellites but did not say how many missions are involved.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
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