A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch three AST SpaceMobile broadband satellites from Florida’s Space Coast at 1:02 a.m. on Aug. 5, according to the U.S. Space Force. The launch window is narrow — between 12:58 a.m. and 1:08 a.m. — and will carry BlueBird 11, 12 and 13 into low-Earth orbit. The mission aims to expand global cellular coverage by testing direct-to-phone satellite technology. This will be the first flight of the Falcon 9’s Block 10 configuration, which includes upgraded engines and structural changes. SpaceX will broadcast the launch live on its website and YouTube channel.
The rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, a site also used by United Launch Alliance for Atlas 5 missions. Weather forecasts show mostly clear skies over the Space Coast, increasing the likelihood of visibility. The rocket’s ascent could be seen from as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach, depending on cloud cover and trajectory. The bright plume from the rocket’s engines and the contrail afterward may provide unique photo opportunities for early risers.
A spent first-stage booster from a Falcon 9 launch in 2025 is expected to crash into the moon’s near side about 75 minutes before the launch. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter will track the impact, which will occur on the moon’s surface near the Apollo 17 landing site. The event is not visible from Earth but will be analyzed by scientists studying orbital debris. SpaceX has not confirmed if this is intentional or a planned trajectory.
For those unable to view the launch in person, NASA+ content will be available on Amazon Prime Video. The service offers live streams and replays of launches, including this one. Viewers can also check the Space Launch Schedule on the U.S. Space Force’s website for updates. The launch is part of AST SpaceMobile’s effort to build a constellation of 300 satellites for global broadband service, with commercial service expected by 2027.