The sun side of the array seems, I dunno, ruffled? I would have thought it would be pretty flat?
How imminent is mobile phone connectivity via AST SpaceMobile?By Linda HardestyNov 16, 2022 09:25am
OOpsie: https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/1592562637107507203
BlueWalker 3 guidance and navigation is working and stable, phased array is pointing correctly, and main satellite systems are functioning well!! Space 5G here we come... 🇺🇸🇯🇵🇬🇧🤠📶#5G
Yesterday observation of $AST #BlueWalker3 encrypted the UHF 437.500 downlink on 70cm #hamradio band.AST justified the use of 70cm under an experimental license from the @FCC. But this doesn't change the fact this is a COMMERCIAL venture using a hamradio band worldwide.🧵
Instead of secure 400MHz commercial license and comply with proper regulatory requirements, they choose "the easy way" of an experimental license. Reflect on this, a commercial company watering down requirements and sending encrypted data over hamradio band. This's simply wrong!
Some great amateur detective work being done under the nose of @AST_SpaceMobile that operates their satellite under a flag of convenience, didn't encrypt until amateurs caught them out and put their shareholders at risk. Can they responsibly operate a constellation of satellites?
IAU issues a statement on the BlueWalker 3 satellite, now confirmed as one of the brightest objects in the night sky.“BlueWalker 3 is a big shift in the constellation satellite issue and should give us all reason to pause”https://www.iau.org/news/pressreleases/detail/iau2211/
iau2211 — Press ReleaseSubscribe to the IAU e-Newsletter.IAU CPS Statement on BlueWalker 3Global astronomy community troubled by unprecedented brightness and use of terrestrial frequencies from space of recently launched BlueWalker 3 satelliteThe International Astronomical Union Center for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference expresses concern about the recently launched prototype BlueWalker 3 satellite’s impact on astronomy. New measurements reveal that this low Earth orbiting satellite is now one of the brightest objects in the night sky, outshining all but the brightest stars. In addition, the satellite’s use of terrestrial radio frequencies poses a new challenge to radio astronomy.On 10 September 2022 AST SpaceMobile launched a prototype satellite called BlueWalker 3 into low Earth orbit. This satellite, which has a 64-square-meter (693-square-foot) antenna system (the largest commercial antenna system ever deployed into low Earth orbit), is the first of what is expected to be more than a hundred similar or even larger satellites.New measurements by observers worldwide, coordinated by the International Astronomical Union’s CPS (IAU Center for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference), show that this satellite has become one of the brightest objects in the night sky — more so than other constellation satellites and at times as bright as some of the most recognizable stars [1]. Besides their visible brightness, these new satellites, which serve as “cell phone towers in space,” will transmit strong radio waves at frequencies currently reserved for terrestrial cell-phone communications. These orbiting transmitters, which are not subject to the same radio quiet zone restrictions [2] as ground-based cellular networks, have the potential to severely impact radio astronomy research as well as geodesy studies and space-physics experiments.The IAU and its CPS co-hosts, NSF's NOIRLab and the SKA Observatory (SKAO), are concerned about the impact these satellites will have on fundamental research and humanity’s ability to experience the natural night sky. “Astronomers build radio telescopes as far away as possible from human activity, looking for places on the planet where there is limited or no cell phone coverage. Frequencies allocated to cell phones are already challenging to observe even in radio quiet zones we have created for our facilities. New satellites such as BlueWalker 3 have the potential to worsen this situation and compromise our ability to do science if not properly mitigated,” said SKAO Director-General Philip Diamond. “This is a key reason why the SKAO is deeply involved in the IAU CPS and promoting the equitable and sustainable use of space.”The night sky is a unique laboratory that allows scientists to conduct experiments that cannot be done in terrestrial laboratories. Astronomical observations have provided insights into fundamental physics and other research at the boundaries of our knowledge and changed humanity’s view of our place in the cosmos. The pristine night sky is also an important part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage and should be protected for society at large and for future generations. “BlueWalker 3 is a big shift in the constellation satellite issue and should give us all reason to pause,” said Piero Benvenuti, Director of the IAU CPS. The IAU and CPS partners recognize that the new satellite constellations have an important role in improving worldwide communications. However, their interference with astronomical observations could severely hamper progress in our understanding of the cosmos. Their deployment should therefore be conducted with due consideration of their side effects and with efforts made to minimize their impact on astronomy. To better understand the effects of these new satellites, the IAU CPS invites further observations of BlueWalker 3. Visual and telescopic observations of BlueWalker 3 can be submitted online to SatHub, a worldwide public observing initiative of the IAU CPS.The IAU recently wrote a letter on behalf of the global astronomy community to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging them to seriously consider the potential impacts of satellite constellations on astronomy, the appearance of the night sky, and the environment. Earlier this month, the FCC announced its intention to create an office dedicated to space, to better deal with this rapidly emerging issue, an action that the IAU CPS applauds.Conversations between the IAU CPS and AST SpaceMobile have started. The IAU CPS fosters dialogue and cooperation between satellite operators and scientists. Recent discussions with some operators have led to mitigation measures but much more work is needed.Notes[1] The measurements show that BlueWalker 3 is around apparent visual magnitude 1 at its brightest — almost as bright as Antares or Spica (the 15th and 16th brightest stars in the night sky). Apparent magnitude in astronomy is a measure of the brightness of a star or other astronomical object as observed from Earth. The scale is reverse logarithmic: the brighter an object is, the lower its magnitude number. The brightest astronomical objects have negative apparent magnitudes: for example, Venus at −4.2 or Sirius at −1.46. The faintest stars visible with the naked eye on the darkest night have apparent magnitudes of about +6.5. [2] There are several areas around the globe that have special protections for radio astronomy that prescribe how fixed radio transmitters can be used so they do not interfere with astronomical observations. The United States National Radio Quiet Zone is a 13,000 square mile (34,000 square kilometer) region in which broadcast antennas must operate at reduced power and use highly directional antennas. More informationThe IAU is the international astronomical organization that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.
Trail left by BlueWalker 3 over Kitt Peak National Observatory28 November 2022
AST SpaceMobile said Nov. 30 it could raise more than $86 million from selling a chunk of shares as the company looks to accelerate its direct-to-smartphone constellation plans.The satellite operator agreed to sell shares in a public offering for $5.50 each, less than half what they were worth the day it became a public company in April 2021.Investment bank B. Riley Securities is underwriting the sale of shares that would equate to about $75 million in gross proceeds for AST SpaceMobile. The underwriter has a 30-day option to buy additional shares that would bring this amount to $86.25 million.AST SpaceMobile initially aimed to raise up to $74.8 million when it first announced plans for a share sale Nov. 29, but upsized the target following investor demand.
Working toward telco testing with BW3, the largest commercial comms array ever deployed in low Earth orbit! Also prepping for initial production next year of the AST 5000 ASIC chip for next-gen BlueBird sats. We believe this will be the most adv chip of its kind in space! 📶#5G
AST SpaceMobile's Bluewalker 3 on Target to Deliver the First and Only Space-Based Cellular BroadbandAST SpaceMobile provides interim operational update on its ongoing space-based cellular broadband satellite programsDecember 13, 2022 07:30 PM Eastern Standard TimeMIDLAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones, provides an operational update on the BlueWalker 3 (BW3), Block 1 BlueBird and next-generation BlueBird programs.“On the back of the successful deployment of BW3’s communications array, we look forward to initiating testing with our mobile network operator partners starting early in the first quarter of 2023,” said @AbelAvellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile.“The achievements to date for BlueWalker 3 validate the design roadmap for our BlueBirds, including deploying and flying the largest-ever commercial communications array in low Earth orbit, a key fundamental and patented technology to deliver space-based cellular broadband directly to unmodified phones,” said Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “On the back of the successful deployment of BW3’s communications array, we look forward to initiating testing with our mobile network operator partners starting early in the first quarter of 2023.”Update on BlueWalker 3 on-orbit activities, the largest-ever commercial communications array deployed in low Earth orbitAchievements with nominal operations on BW3 satellite over the last 3 monthsBuilt TT&C (Tracking, Telemetry & Control) network on Earth, with teams monitoring 24/7 BW3 orbit via earth stations in Maryland, Colorado and AustraliaAchieved nominal operations for guidance, navigation and control of BW3 over the last 3 months at an altitude of ~515km and sustained velocity of ~17,000 mphUpgraded onboard flight control software to incorporate BW3 on-orbit learnings and control the deployed communications arrayDeployed the 693 square foot communications array, from stowed configuration, in November 2022Powered the communications array in preparation for mobile network operator testingTested patented doppler and delay hardware and software solution on the ground with Rakuten Mobile and Nokia baseband technologyCompleted installation of ground network for end-to-end testing in Texas, Hawaii and JapanReceived test licenses via partner mobile network operators from relevant regulatory bodies in the United States, Japan, Colombia, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, and Indonesia in advance of mobile network operator testingUpdated ground Space Operations Center (SOC) system and processes to support planned low Earth orbit operationsTransition to testing of direct-to-cell satellite capabilities beginning in Q1 2023, supporting mobile network operator partners to interconnect with BlueWalker 3 and prepare for future commercial service with BlueBird satellitesIntegrate with mobile network operator core networks, including AST SpaceMobile patented doppler and delay system, starting as early as JanuaryConduct initial 4G LTE and 5G end-to-end connectivity starting from communications array as early as JanuaryReport speed test data in coordination with mobile network operator partnersUpdate on BlueBird programs, targeting launch of first 5 commercial satellites in late 2023Confirmation of BW3 mechanical deployment system and system architecture expected to be used for first 5 Block 1 BlueBird satellitesConfirmation of main BW3 subsystems expected to be used for first 5 Block 1 BlueBird satellites, including guidance, navigation and control system in use on BW3Assembly and production lines designed, and equipment ordered and partially installed, with significant flexibility to meet expected 2023 production needs in our 185,000 square foot Texas manufacturing facilitiesExpect to begin initial chip production during 2023 of custom AST 5000 ASIC for future generation, higher capacity BlueBird satellitesPlanned testing of the BW3 test satellite with mobile network operators may be delayed, may not prove successful, or may not be completed at all due to various factors, including, but not limited to, equipment failure, or other technical issues.
450m^2 is the area of the full scale satellites, right? That’s receiving over 600kW of sunlight and potentially producing 180kW of electricity…
Dec 15, 2022RELEASE 22-131NASA, AST & Science Sign Joint Spaceflight Safety AgreementNASA and AST & Science, a subsidiary of AST SpaceMobile, Inc., have signed a joint agreement to formalize both parties’ strong interest in the sharing of information to maintain and improve space safety.This agreement enables a deeper level of coordination, cooperation, and data sharing, and defines the arrangement, responsibilities, and procedures for flight safety coordination. The focus of the agreement is on conjunction avoidance and launch collision avoidance between NASA spacecraft and AST SpaceMobile’s test satellite, BlueWalker 3, currently in orbit, including the company’s planned constellation of large satellites. A conjunction is defined as a close approach between two objects in space, usually at very high speed.“Safety is one of NASA’s core goals – in the workplace, in our mission operations, and in our responsibility as global citizens,” said NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana. “We are always looking for opportunities to improve our safety, and by working more closely together with AST SpaceMobile, we can mitigate collisions that might otherwise adversely impact our mission success.”AST SpaceMobile’s spacecraft, BlueWalker 3 test satellite and the BlueBird constellation, are equipped with a high impulse, low thrust maneuvering system that may require complex risk mitigation maneuver plans. Both NASA and AST SpaceMobile benefit from this enhanced interaction by ensuring all parties involved are fully aware of the exact location of spacecraft and debris in orbit resulting in a safer space environment for all.NASA and the Department of Defense have decades of experience in proactively managing collision risks, as well as potential impacts. Effective mitigation relies on inter-operator coordination, accurate data, a sound technical basis for risk analysis, as well as proactive processes for appropriate actions to mitigate risks. By working together through this agreement, the approach to collision avoidance can be improved for all users.In addition to this agreement, NASA is supporting growth in the U.S. commercial space sector through the release of the Spacecraft Conjunction Assessment and Collision Avoidance Best Practices Handbook, which the agency issued in December 2020 to improve global awareness of space activity and to share NASA lessons learned regarding close approach coordination and mitigation.For more information about NASA’s programs and projects, visit:https://www.nasa.gov/-end-
NEWAT&T's support for startup @AST_SpaceMobile has been relatively subdued over the past few years. But that ended today. "Really exciting chance ahead of us," said Chris Sambar, AT&T's chief networking executive. $T $ASTShttps://www.lightreading.com/satellite/atandt-gives-ast-spacemobile-big-public-shoutout/d/d-id/782457?_mc=RSS_LR_EDT
Observations of BlueWalker 3 (BW3) beginning on December 8 of this year indicate that its apparent brightness had decreased. We postulate that the orbital beta angle and resultant solar power considerations required an adjustment to the satellite attitude around that time. So, the nominally zenith facing side of the flat-panel shaped spacecraft, which supports the solar array, was tilted toward the Sun. Consequently, the nadir side, which is seen by observers on the ground, was mostly dark. Thus, BW3 has generally appeared faint and on some occasions was not seen at all. The amount of fading was up to 4 magnitudes. Numerical modeling indicates that the amount of tilt was in the range 13° to 16°. This situation indicates the improvement in the appearance of BW3 from the ground that can be achieved with small tilts of the spacecraft. Satellite operators and astronomers can jointly address the adverse impact of bright satellites on celestial observations based on this finding.
$ASTS filed a coordination request for the 368 satellite SpaceMobile constellation under name Micronsat-2.Shows some nee stats such as modulation used and the way gain is higher on low elevation angles to keep beam cell size uniform irrespective of signal path length/angle.Source https://itu.int/ITU-R/space/asreceived/Publication/AsReceived
Great to host @ATT in Midland last week. Initial manufacturing lines at Site 1 and 2 are ramping up for our planned production! 🦾🤠#5G #ATT5G 📶🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀
