Mission Overview:The BlueBird Block 2 satellite (FM-1) is a technology pathfinder for AST’s BlueBird constellation of commercial direct to cellular satellites. This satellite is an evolution of the BlueBird Block 1 satellites launched in September of 2024, with a larger phased array and an enhanced satellite bus (ControlSat) to support the larger phased array and higher throughput than the Block 1 satellites. The satellite is intended to demonstrate enhanced reliability array deployments as well as higher capability bus components (such as payload antennas). The satellite is intended to remain on orbit for up to 7 years before de-orbiting, providing cellular service to multiple regions around the world.Launch vehicle and launch site: ISRO GSLV Mk3, launching out of Satish Dhawan Space Center via NSILProposed launch date: June 2025Mission duration: Up to 7 years operational service life
Inclination Angle: 53ºOrbital Period: 5693.0 SecondsApogee: 525.0 kmPerigee: 515.0 kmArgument of Perigee: 90.0ºRAAN: 279.2°Mean Anomaly: 0°
International Space mission carrying Indian astronaut scheduled for next month: Dr Jitendra Singh[...]The LVM3-M5 mission, scheduled for July, will cater to a commercial contract with AST SpaceMobile Inc., USA, launching BlueBird Block-2 satellites under NewSpace India Limited’s commercial program.[...]
LVM3-M6 scheduled for H2 2025:QuoteISRO ISRO successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine for LVM3-M6 MissionMarch 14, 2025On March 14, 2025, ISRO successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot testing of the cryogenic engine identified for the sixth operational mission of LVM3 launch vehicle (LVM-M6) at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri. Cryogenic engines for every mission undergo hot testing as part of its acceptance for the flight. Hot tests for the indigenous cryogenic engine (CE20)used in the Cryogenic Upper Stage of LVM3 were so far performed at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility at IPRC, where vacuum conditions are simulated with complex installations, limiting the maximum hot test duration to 25s.In the current test, the engine was tested for a longer duration of 100s for the first time using an innovative Nozzle Protection System under non-vacuum conditions. This test method significantly reduces the setup time and effort required for the flight acceptance testing of a cryogenic engine, which in turn helps faster delivery of cryogenic stages for space missions.Performance of the CE20 engine met all the test objectives and the parameters were closely matching with the predictions during the entire duration of the test. Further, this engine will be integrated to the Cryogenic Upper Stage of the launch vehicle for the LVM3-M6 mission, which is scheduled during the second half of 2025.No idea what the payload could be...
ISRO ISRO successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine for LVM3-M6 MissionMarch 14, 2025On March 14, 2025, ISRO successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot testing of the cryogenic engine identified for the sixth operational mission of LVM3 launch vehicle (LVM-M6) at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri. Cryogenic engines for every mission undergo hot testing as part of its acceptance for the flight. Hot tests for the indigenous cryogenic engine (CE20)used in the Cryogenic Upper Stage of LVM3 were so far performed at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility at IPRC, where vacuum conditions are simulated with complex installations, limiting the maximum hot test duration to 25s.In the current test, the engine was tested for a longer duration of 100s for the first time using an innovative Nozzle Protection System under non-vacuum conditions. This test method significantly reduces the setup time and effort required for the flight acceptance testing of a cryogenic engine, which in turn helps faster delivery of cryogenic stages for space missions.Performance of the CE20 engine met all the test objectives and the parameters were closely matching with the predictions during the entire duration of the test. Further, this engine will be integrated to the Cryogenic Upper Stage of the launch vehicle for the LVM3-M6 mission, which is scheduled during the second half of 2025.
AST SpaceMobile Provides Business Update and First Quarter 2025 ResultsMay 12, 2025[...]Business UpdateAnnounced multi-provider satellite orbital launch plan with five contracted launches over the next six to nine months- Anticipate orbital launches every one to two months on average during 2025 and 2026- First Block 2 BlueBird satellite expected to ship in Q2 2025, with orbital launch scheduled during July 2025[...]
AST’s orbital debris mitigation plan fails to demonstrate that the FM1 satellite can operate safely and sustainably—indeed, the inconsistencies, discrepancies and inadequacies of AST’s orbital debris showings suggest the opposite. Prematurely authorizing AST to launch its FM-1/FM-2 satellites before it comprehensively demonstrates compliance with the Commission’s orbital debris mitigation rules and NASA standard practices would create untenable risks for all operators, including U.S.-licensed systems such as SpaceX that deliver critical connectivity to millions of American consumers.And if based on such a showing the Commission ultimately grants AST’s authorization, then it must apply those transparency, coordination, and performance-based requirements that the Commission found in the public interest in the Gen2 Order.
0284-EX-CN-2025
[...]Accordingly, the Commission should dismiss such claims immediately for lack of merit, and grant the Application by July 11 to allow safe shipment of FM1 by July 12 to the launch site for its upcoming August launch.[...]
After NISAR, ISRO gearing up for next U.S. collaboration with BlueBird communications satellite launchAugust 01, 2025The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is hoping to launch the Block 2 BlueBird communications satellite, developed by the U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile, in three to four months from now, chairman of the space agency V. Narayanan said in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Friday (August 1, 2025).[...]The BlueBird satellite is expected to arrive in India in September, he said. Work is also progressing on the mission launch vehicle.[...]
There's going to be a lot of unhappy retail shareholders today.How exactly is New Glenn going to launch 8 satellites that are 6,500 kg each? That's way too heavy even without any payload performance shortfalls.
Total satellite mass at launch: 5850 kg Dry mass of satellite at launch: 5830 kg FM-1 has an electric propulsion system using Xenon propellant. This system consists of 2 separate, independent propulsion modules, each containing a thruster, PPU, and propellant tanks/distribution. These systems have flight heritage on prior BlueBird satellites as well as other on-orbit systems. The propellant distribution is a simple blow down design. There will be 20kg of Xenon gas at pressure of approximately 1,000 psi. Final loading of Xenon will be performed at the launch site prior to integration with the launch vehicle.
Quote from: sstli2 on 08/01/2025 07:50 pmThere's going to be a lot of unhappy retail shareholders today.How exactly is New Glenn going to launch 8 satellites that are 6,500 kg each? That's way too heavy even without any payload performance shortfalls.Either • It won't (launch 8 of them) • the satellite's mass is misstated or later versions are intended to be lighter • New Glenn's performance is higher than Blue is currently telling usI have no information or intuition about which of these is the most likely.
FM1 is expected to be ready to ship in August 2025 with a mutually determined launch date thereafter, becoming AST SpaceMobile’s seventh satellite in orbit.
AST Q2 EarningsQuoteFM1 is expected to be ready to ship in August 2025 with a mutually determined launch date thereafter, becoming AST SpaceMobile’s seventh satellite in orbit.
Launch is scheduled 3-4 months from now according to ISRO's Chairman. Satellite will ship to India next month:QuoteAfter NISAR, ISRO gearing up for next U.S. collaboration with BlueBird communications satellite launchAugust 01, 2025The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is hoping to launch the Block 2 BlueBird communications satellite, developed by the U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile, in three to four months from now, chairman of the space agency V. Narayanan said in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Friday (August 1, 2025).[...]The BlueBird satellite is expected to arrive in India in September, he said. Work is also progressing on the mission launch vehicle.[...]
BlueBird 6 is fully assembled, and final tests are being completed imminently to be ready for shipment! 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀BlueBirds 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are in various stages of production, targeting to complete all phased arrays this month. We are on track to complete 40 phased arrays by early 2026, bringing us to BlueBird 46. Each BlueBird is the largest commercial satellite ever launched to low Earth orbit!This is just the start of our deployment roadmap, with launches every 1-2 months on average moving forward, and 20 satellites approved to launch by the FCC — and more to come. The future of space-based cellular broadband connectivity is around the corner! 🌎📱📶💪#ASTSpaceMobile #BlueBird6 #NextGenBlueBird
