Texas-based AST SpaceMobile, Inc, the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones, has opened a new UK headquarters.

The offices are located in the new Space Park Leicester complex, a £100 million research, innovation and manufacturing hub for space-related high-tech companies and researchers.

Steve Gibson, AST SpaceMobile UK managing director, said: “Our Space Park Leicester office will have business development, engineering and regulatory team members working to support the progress and manufacturing of critical subsystems for the SpaceMobile Constellation.”

Will Wells, University of Leicester commercial director, said: “The University has a well-established record in applying satellite technology and space-derived data to solve real-world problems.

“We are delighted that AST Space Mobile has chosen Space Park Leicester as the base for their exciting plans.”

In addition to the UK, the company operates from other global locations including a corporate headquarters and 85,000ft² satellite assembly, integrating and testing facility in Midland, Texas, as well as operations in College Park, Maryland, Spain and Israel.

Scott Wisniewski, AST SpaceMobile executive vice president and chief strategy officer, said: “The opening of AST SpaceMobile’s UK headquarters marks an exciting expansion of our international footprint. Building our space-based cellular broadband network is truly a global effort, and our growing presence allows us to access the best talent from around the world.”