Blue Origin Schedules New Glenn Rocket Launch with AST SpaceMobile Satellite

Blue Origin has scheduled the third mission of its New Glenn rocket for April 19, 2026. The launch will use a first-stage booster that was previously used in the program's second mission in November 2025. The mission will carry AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 satellite to low Earth orbit.

m. m. Blue Origin stated that successful booster reuse is key to cost-effective operations, similar to practices by other providers. The company is owned by Jeff Bezos.

Satellite Details and Capabilities

The BlueBird 7 satellite features a 2,400-square-foot phased-array antenna, described as the largest commercial communications array deployed in low Earth orbit.

It is the second of AST SpaceMobile's Block 2 next-generation satellites. The satellite is designed to provide 4G and 5G broadband services at speeds exceeding 120 Mbps directly to existing mobile phones. AST SpaceMobile plans to deploy between 45 and 60 satellites by the end of 2026.

The company intends to activate its service sometime in 2026.

Competition and Context

This launch occurs amid efforts by multiple companies to expand satellite-based connectivity.

Amazon has launched 241 satellites for its Leo constellation over a 12-month period. In the same timeframe, SpaceX deployed over 1,500 satellites for its Starlink network. AST SpaceMobile's approach involves fewer but more powerful satellites compared to the larger constellations of Amazon Leo and SpaceX’s Starlink.

The service will compete with Starlink’s direct-to-cell offerings in partnership with T-Mobile in the United States, as well as Globalstar, which was acquired by Amazon and supports emergency communications for iPhones and Apple Watches.