AST SpaceMobile Launches Largest BlueBird 6 Satellite for Space-Based Cellular Network
Texas startup AST SpaceMobile launched its largest satellite yet, BlueBird 6, aiming to create a space-based cellular network that offers direct-to-cell service, competing with SpaceX's Starlink. The satellite is part of a plan to deploy a constellation of 243 next-generation satellites to provide 5G connectivity across the US and other markets, with larger antennas and faster speeds, amidst a rivalry with SpaceX over satellite space and industry dominance.