SpaceX plans to launch three AST SpaceMobile BlueBird satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 2:39 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The Falcon 9 rocket will depart from Launch Complex 40, with a launch window extending until 4:15 a.m. due to potential weather delays. The mission aims to deploy satellites designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband directly to cellphones worldwide. A 60% chance of precipitation overnight raises concerns about the launch conditions, but SpaceX remains on schedule.
The BlueBird satellites feature solar arrays spanning nearly 2,400 square feet — the largest commercial phased arrays ever deployed in low-Earth orbit. AST SpaceMobile President Scott Wisniewski called the launch an important milestone in expanding the company's space-based cellular broadband network. The satellites will join five others launched in September 2024 and a sixth deployed in December 2025 aboard India's LVM3 rocket.
This mission follows a failed attempt in April 2026 when Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket failed to deploy a BlueBird satellite at the correct altitude. The satellite reentered Earth's atmosphere and was lost after the anomaly. SpaceX's previous BlueBird launches have proceeded without major issues, though the company faces challenges in ensuring consistent deployment.
The satellites are part of a broader effort to deliver internet connectivity to remote areas without relying on ground infrastructure. AST SpaceMobile has not disclosed specific details about the technical capabilities of the new satellites beyond their solar array size. The mission will be covered live by Florida Today's Space Team approximately 90 minutes before the launch window opens.
The launch marks the first time SpaceX will deploy three BlueBird satellites in a single mission. The company has not yet confirmed whether the satellites will operate in the same orbital slot as previous deployments. AST SpaceMobile has not responded to requests for additional details about the mission's timeline or technical specifications.