Quote from: Danderman on 06/19/2021 06:01 amNote that Starlink faced a similar issue, and chose a deployable array, which is what is causing the problems for astronomers. AST arrays won’t face the Earth, which is good for astronomy.The side of the SpaceMobile sats that faces Earth will still reflect light, and these things are huge.
Note that Starlink faced a similar issue, and chose a deployable array, which is what is causing the problems for astronomers. AST arrays won’t face the Earth, which is good for astronomy.
Conversely, Starlink sats have steerable antennas.
Quote from: Danderman on 07/23/2021 03:11 amConversely, Starlink sats have steerable antennas.The steerable antennas on the Starlinks don't seem to be the main problem, those are not being shaded (although they were darkened at some point). It's the flat ESAs that are so reflective on Starlink. Size also matters a lot.
Did FAA actually give approval for a 693 sq ft antenna?
Quote from: Danderman on 08/24/2021 03:23 amDid FAA actually give approval for a 693 sq ft antenna?It would be FCC.edit: still pending 1059-EX-CN-2020
This is just for BW3 correct? They will have to go through this entire process again for the new bluebird satellites with a full constellation correct?
@gk_launch & @AST_SpaceMobile reach agreement on AST switch from GK's Soyuz to @SpaceX ride-share for BlueWalker3 tech-demo sat when GK's main customer, Korea's #Kari, could not deliver #CAS500-2 Earth obs sat in time. GK will keep $2.7M from AST & use it for future GK launch.
On April 1, 2019, we launched our first test satellite, BlueWalker 1 (“BW1”), which was used to validate our satellite to cellular architecture and was capable of managing communications delays from LEO orbit and the effects of doppler in a satellite to ground cellular environment using the 4G-LTE protocol. We are currently assembling, integrating, and testing the satellite componentry required for our BlueWalker 3 (“BW3”) test satellite. As of September 30, 2021, we have incurred approximately $56.7 million of capitalized costs (including non-recurring engineering) relating to the BW3 test satellite and expect to incur an additional $10.0 to $12.0 million (including non-recurring engineering) to bring this project to completion. The BW3 test satellite will be using SpaceX as a launch services provider. The current available launch window with SpaceX runs from March 2022 through April 2022. However, the exact timing of such launch is contingent on a number of factors, including satisfactory and timely completion of construction and testing of BW3 test satellite. We have the option to select an alternate launch window if we deliver a rebooking notice to SpaceX by December 1, 2021 and pay a rebooking fee. While we have not yet determined if we will provide such rebooking notice and select an alternate mission and launch window, at this time we believe it is likely that we may elect to do so to provide additional time for BW3 testing and final launch preparation. If we exercise the option to rebook, we plan to target a BW3 launch within months of the original launch window; however, any alternate launch window would be subject to mutual agreement and coordination with SpaceX.We are also in the development and design process of our first constellation phase of 20 satellites (the “BB1 Satellites”). We are currently planning our first commercial satellite launches for the BB1 Satellites to begin during the last quarter of 2022 and continue during the first two or potentially three quarters of 2023. This first phase of satellites is expected to provide satellite coverage in the 49 Equatorial countries, representing a total population of approximately 1.6 billion people, with 20 satellites. We currently plan to achieve full global mobile coverage after the completion of the launches required to deploy an additional 90 satellites which we are targeting to begin launching during the last quarter of 2023 and continue during 2024, assuming the first phase is successfully completed in the anticipated time frame. Assuming we are able to substantially achieve full global mobile coverage, we currently are planning to begin the launches required to deploy an additional 58 satellites with multiple input multiple output (“MIMO”) capabilities beginning in the fourth quarter of 2024 through the third quarter of 2025. While this represents our current planning, our launch plans and timelines are subject to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including, manufacturing timelines and our ability to successfully contract with launch providers that can accommodate the technical specifications of our BB1 Satellites, proposed orbits and resulting satellite coverage, and proposed launch timing and costs and other factors which could impact the determination of launch providers.
The Micron is the building block of our satellites. Each Micron has solar cells on one side, antennas on the other, and a lot of subsystems in-between. Our goal is to mass-produce these at scale to lower costs and deliver the SpaceMobile mission. 🚀 #ASTSpaceMobile #5G
Cool, sandwich tiles like this is used in several Space Solar Power concepts, I was thinking if it can be used in communication satellite too. I wonder which method they'll use to solve the problem of having constant sunlight on the solar side.
The AST sandwich will have a small issue with limited exposure of the panels to the Sun.
Due to a change in circumstances, the BlueWalker 3 (“BW3”) test satellite that is associated with the above-noted application will be registered with the United Nations, pursuant to the Registration Convention,1 by the Spanish Ministry of Industry (Subdirección General de Áreas y Programas Industriales -Dirección General de Industria y Pyme). Applicant AST&Science LLC is a subsidiary of AST SpaceMobile, Inc., which has a facility in Spain (AST&Science Iberia, S.L.) that is manufacturing the solar arrays for the BW3 test satellite. In this way, the spacecraft will fully meet the terms of the Registration Convention.
AST SpaceMobile was set to launch with SpaceX between March 1, 2022 and April 30, 2022, and has now submitted a rebooking notice for a revised launch window targeting summer 2022. The final launch timing is dependent on SpaceX.
.@AST_SpaceMobile has reduced by 50%, to 450 m2, the size of the antenna for its operational LEO constellation to provide 4G/5G links to unmodified smartphones, Chief Strategy Officer Scott Wisniewski said at #WSBW.