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AST SpaceMobile

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Overview

AST SpaceMobile is a pioneering company focused on developing the first and only global cellular broadband network in space, designed to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. Founded in May 2017 by Abel Avellan, the company is based in Midland, Texas, USA.

SpaceMobile Network

The company's flagship project, SpaceMobile, aims to provide 4G/5G speeds globally, including areas with little to no coverage. This innovative network will allow existing smartphones to connect directly to satellites without modifications.

Technology and Satellites

AST SpaceMobile's technology utilizes flat phased-array antennas, as demonstrated in their test satellite, BlueWalker 3. This satellite features a 693-square-foot array with thousands of antennas and has successfully demonstrated two-way telephone calls and 4G/5G connectivity with unmodified smartphones. The company is also developing BlueBird commercial satellites as part of its larger constellation.

Partnerships and Funding

The company has secured significant partnerships and funding, including collaborations with major telecom operators such as Vodafone, Rakuten, AT&T, and Verizon. In 2020, AST SpaceMobile raised $110 million in a Series B investment round. The company went public in 2021 through a business combination with New Providence's special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC), raising $462 million.

Regulatory Approvals

AST SpaceMobile has received several regulatory approvals, including an experimental license for the BlueWalker 3 satellite from the FCC in May 2022 and authorization to launch and operate the frequencies for the BlueBird 1-5 satellite mission in August 2024. However, the FCC has not yet decided on allowing the company to operate in terrestrial cellular frequencies for commercial satellite-to-cell services.

Operations and Market Impact

The company started generating revenue through a U.S. Government contract in 2024 and expects substantial revenue from mobile network operators once the BlueBird satellites are fully operational. AST SpaceMobile has achieved significant milestones, including the world's first space-based two-way telephone call with unmodified smartphones. As of August 2024, the company's market cap exceeded $8 billion, reflecting investor confidence in its potential to address a vast market of over 2.8 billion subscribers through its agreements with major mobile network operators.

Leadership Team

AST SpaceMobile's leadership team has undergone a recent strategic realignment to position the company for its next phase of accelerated growth. Key members include:

Abel Avellan

Founder, Chairman, and CEO with over 25 years of experience in the space industry. Avellan is an inventor on 24 U.S. patents and has received several industry awards.

Scott Wisniewski

President and Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing commercialization efforts, product development, regulatory affairs, corporate development, capital markets strategy, and investor relations.

Shanti Gupta

Chief Operating Officer, responsible for global operations, including supply chain, planning, cost management, information technology, and human resource operations.

Andrew Johnson

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Legal Officer, overseeing accounting, reporting, treasury, compliance, risk management, and global legal matters.

Other Key Members

  • Huiwen Yao: Chief Technology Officer
  • Chris Ivory: Chief Commercial Officer
  • Raymond Sedwick: Chief Scientist, Space Systems
  • Sriram Jayasimha: Chief Scientist, Commercial Applications
  • Roy Sofer: Senior Vice President, Engineering
  • Ken Kramer: Senior Vice President, Manufacturing & Midland General Manager
  • Mark McLaren: Vice President, Engineering Programs This leadership team brings together a diverse range of expertise in space technology, telecommunications, finance, and operations, positioning AST SpaceMobile to drive innovation and growth in the space-based cellular broadband market.

History

AST SpaceMobile, founded in May 2017 by Abel Avellan as AST & Science LLC, has a notable history marked by significant milestones and developments in its mission to create a space-based mobile broadband network.

Founding and Early Years

Established in Midland, Texas, the company aimed to address global connectivity gaps in underserved areas.

Key Milestones

Funding and Investments

  • 2018: Raised $25 million in Series A funding
  • 2019: Secured $75 million in Series B funding
  • March 2020: Announced a $110 million Series B investment round led by Vodafone and Rakuten

Public Listing

  • April 2021: Merged with New Providence's SPAC to form AST SpaceMobile, raising $462 million through IPO and PIPE

Satellite Launches

  • BlueWalker 1: Launched April 1, 2019 (decayed from orbit on November 29, 2023)
  • BlueWalker 3: Launched September 10, 2022, successfully completed first two-way voice calls to unmodified smartphones in April 2023
  • BlueBird 1-5: Launched September 12, 2024, with all five satellites completely unfolded by October 25, 2024

Technological Achievements

In April 2023, AST SpaceMobile completed the first-ever two-way voice calls directly to unmodified smartphones using the BlueWalker 3 satellite, demonstrating the capability to deliver broadband connectivity from space to standard mobile devices.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The company has established partnerships with major telecom operators, including Vodafone, Rakuten, AT&T, and Verizon. In 2024, AST SpaceMobile announced collaborations with Google and AT&T for Android smartphone satellite connectivity and a $100 million partnership with Verizon to expand coverage in remote areas of the United States.

Regulatory Approvals

AST SpaceMobile has secured key regulatory approvals, including an experimental license from the FCC for the BlueWalker 3 satellite in May 2022 and authorization for the BlueBird 1-5 satellite mission in August 2024.

Financial and Operational Developments

As of 2024, AST SpaceMobile began generating revenue through a U.S. Government contract, with expectations of substantial revenue from mobile network operators once BlueBird satellites are fully operational. The company's market cap exceeded $8 billion in August 2024 following the successful launch of its first commercial satellite. AST SpaceMobile's journey reflects significant progress in developing a space-based cellular broadband network, achieving technological breakthroughs, and securing crucial partnerships to support its innovative mission.

Products & Solutions

AST SpaceMobile is pioneering the development of the first and only global cellular broadband network in space, designed to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices. Here are the key products and solutions they are developing:

SpaceMobile Network

  • A global 4G/5G cellular broadband network aimed at providing connectivity everywhere on the planet, including remote, off-grid locations, at sea, and in flight.
  • Designed to eliminate connectivity gaps and bring broadband to billions of unconnected individuals.

BlueWalker 3 Test Satellite

  • A test satellite equipped with a 693-square-foot flat phased-array antenna.
  • Successfully demonstrated space-based two-way telephone calls and 4G/5G connectivity to unmodified smartphones.
  • Maintains a low Earth orbit with a field of view of over 300,000 square miles on Earth.

BlueBird Satellites

  • Commercial satellites of the SpaceMobile network.
  • First five BlueBirds (BlueBird 1-5) launched in September 2024.
  • Offer non-continuous cellular broadband service across the United States and select global markets.
  • Feature large antenna arrays, supporting up to 40 MHz capacity and peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps.

Block 2 BlueBirds

  • Next-generation satellites offering up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of current BlueBirds.
  • Feature up to 2,400 square foot communications arrays, the largest ever commercially deployed in low Earth orbit.
  • Scheduled to launch during 2025 and 2026 using Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket and other existing launch vehicles.

Technology and Partnerships

  • Utilizes proprietary and patented technology, including ultra-powerful satellites with large phased-array antennas.
  • Enables direct communication between standard smartphones and the space-based network without device modifications.
  • Agreements with over 45 mobile network operators globally, covering more than 2.8 billion existing subscribers.
  • Key partners include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, and Rakuten Mobile.

Operational Capabilities

  • Designed to provide 100% nationwide coverage in the United States and extensive global coverage.
  • Supports voice, data, text, and video services.
  • Comprehensive solution for mobile connectivity in areas with limited or no terrestrial coverage.

Core Technology

AST SpaceMobile is developing the first space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard, unmodified smartphones. Key aspects of their core technology include:

Space-Based Cellular Broadband Network

  • Constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) providing global cellular broadband coverage
  • Aims to eliminate connectivity gaps by offering 4G and 5G services directly to everyday smartphones
  • No need for specialized or expensive devices

BlueBird Satellites

  • First five commercial satellites already deployed
  • Feature massive phased array antennas (approximately 700 square feet)
  • Enable direct connection with cell phones using 3GPP-standard frequencies
  • Support up to 40 megahertz of spectrum
  • Peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 megabits per second per beam

AST5000 ASIC

  • Custom, low-power Application-Specific Integrated Circuit
  • Developed in collaboration with Cadence Design Systems
  • Improves processing bandwidth on each satellite by up to tenfold
  • Leverages advanced Cadence tools, flows, and IP, including high-speed SerDes
  • Optimizes power and performance of BlueBird satellites

Integration with Terrestrial Networks

  • Seamless integration with existing terrestrial cellular networks
  • Satellites act as virtual cell towers, broadcasting on carriers' existing terrestrial spectrum
  • Partnerships with companies like Nokia for baseband technology and customized software
  • Addresses challenges of non-terrestrial networks (e.g., roundtrip time, Doppler effect)

Patented Doppler and Delay Solutions

  • Developed hardware and software solutions to address satellite communication challenges
  • Tested with partners like Rakuten Mobile and Nokia
  • Ensures reliable and efficient communication between satellites and mobile devices

Strategic Partnerships

  • Collaborations with major mobile network operators (MNOs) such as AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, and Google
  • Revenue-sharing models where MNOs promote the service, manage billing and customer service
  • Integration of satellite network into MNOs' core systems
  • Simplifies business plan, accelerates user adoption, and facilitates a scalable, high-margin business AST SpaceMobile's core technology focuses on creating a seamless, high-speed, and globally accessible cellular broadband network from space, leveraging advanced ASICs, large phased array antennas, and strategic partnerships with industry leaders.

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