New Glenn to deliver AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation BlueBird satellitesBlue Origin has announced a multi-launch agreement to deliver multiple next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO) on New Glenn. New Glenn’s first launch is scheduled to take place before the end of the year. All launches will occur over a multi-year period from Blue Origin’s Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network designed for both commercial and government applications. It will operate directly with everyday smartphones and allow seamless switching between terrestrial cell towers and satellite signals depending on location and coverage needs.
Abel Avellan, AST SpaceMobile’s founder, chairman and CEO, said: “New Glenn’s performance and unprecedented capacity within its 7m fairing enables us to deploy more of our Block 2 BlueBird satellites into orbit, helping provide continuous cellular broadband service coverage across some of the most in-demand cellular markets globally.”
Dave Limp, Blue Origin’s CEO, said: “It is an honour to support AST SpaceMobile’s deployment of its next-generation BlueBird satellites, which will expand connectivity across the globe and positively impact many lives. New Glenn is purpose-built for these kinds of innovative and ambitious missions.”
New Glenn stands more than 320ft tall and is named after John Glenn, the first person to orbit Earth. Its 7m fairing enables twice the payload volume of any 5m class commercial launch system. The vehicle’s reusable first stage is designed for a minimum of 25 missions and is powered by seven Blue Origin BE-4 engines, the most powerful liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled, oxygen-rich staged combustion engine ever flown. Its second stage is powered by two BE-3U engines. Each BE-3U generates 160,000lbf of thrust in vacuum. Blue Origin also manufactures BE-7 engines for its Blue Moon lunar landers and New Shepard’s BE-3PM engine.