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AST SpaceMobile Loses Satellite

April 21, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

AST SpaceMobile lost its newest satellite due to incorrect orbit.
The incident may delay direct-to-device services.
The company's share price dropped 15% after the news.
Launch target revised to approximately 45 satellites by year-end.

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Strategic Implications

This setback may indicate challenges for AST SpaceMobile in competing with Starlink Mobile, which could delay the availability of continuous direct-to-device services and impact mobile operators' trial and service timelines, suggesting a potential shift in the market dynamics of satellite-based mobile broadband.

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What Happened

Launch Failure Delays Direct To Device Services

AST SpaceMobile’s newest satellite, BlueBird 7, was lost in space after being placed in the wrong orbit by Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, dealing a significant blow to the company’s plans for direct-to-device services. The incident has led to a revised launch target and may cause delays for mobile operators such as AT&T and Vodafone, which are expecting to start trials in the coming months. According to satellite analyst Tim Farrar, a commercial direct-to-device service would require continuous satellite coverage, which AST SpaceMobile may not achieve until well into next year. This development was first reported by Light Reading.

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