The launch of an enormous prototype satellite by AST last year, which was equipped with the largest communications array ever, garnered headlines.
With the intention of providing 4G/5G speeds to customers on Earth, the so-called BlueWalker 3 test satellite is effectively built to function as a cell tower in orbit.
AST SpaceMobile Achieves Orbit Test Success
Last month, AST made its first-ever voice call from Texas to Japan utilizing a stock Samsung Galaxy S22 and the BlueWalker 3 satellite, which uses the same 850MHz radio frequency as AT&T’s mobile network.
Due to the two firms’ agreement to lease spectrum, AT&T customers will soon be allowed to access commercial service.
Despite an increase of $1.9 million from the prior quarter to $44.5 million in total operating expenses, the company ended the first quarter with $185.7 million in cash.
By the end of the quarter, AST SpaceMobile had spent $92.5 million in capitalized expenditures linked to Texas facilities, satellite-related acquisitions, assembly, testing, and deployment of BlueWalker 3, and $66.5 million on property and equipment.
Last year, AST made news by launching a massive prototype satellite with the largest communications array ever.
This accomplishment demonstrated that we can communicate with popular smartphones from all major handset producers in a market where there are already more than five billion active mobile devices.
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Advances Satellite Phone Services
The company, which aims to offer mobile broadband and messaging services from space using satellites, reported that its Block 1 satellites had completed a successful test in orbit, paving the way for future demonstration of 4G and 5G download speeds.
The successful test also confirmed the company’s ability to connect with smartphones from all major handset manufacturers, with manufacturing now underway in Texas for a planned launch of five Block 1 BlueBird satellites in Q1 2024.
AST SpaceMobile also highlighted its recent spectrum lease deal with AT&T, which sets up a pathway to offer commercial service to the carrier’s customers in the future.
The company plans to offer its services to mobile network operators, governments, and enterprise customers.
As of Q1 2022, AST SpaceMobile had liquidity of $185.7 million, and incurred $92.5 million in capitalized costs tied to the assembly, testing, and deployment of BlueWalker 3, and $66.5 million in capitalized property and equipment costs tied to Texas facilities and satellite-related purchases.
With its satellite phone technology on course, AST SpaceMobile is poised to transform global communications and connectivity.
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