Midland-based AST SpaceMobile is establishing a lottery system that will allow shareholders the opportunity to watch the launch of the BlueBird 1-5 Mission at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The company utilizes state-of-the-art machinery in its mission to connect the unconnected with space-based cellular coverage for both the private and government sectors.
According to a news release, the commercial satellites are named BlueBirds, and plans are currently underway to prepare them for launch in September, subject to weather conditions. The BlueBirds will be the largest ever commercial communications array to be deployed in low Earth orbit. Shareholders interested in vying for a chance to see the launch have until Aug. 23 to submit an entry and will be notified of itinerary details as the launch date nears.
"This is a significant milestone for AST SpaceMobile as we bring our vision to enhance cellular connectivity globally, essentially eliminating dead zones and empowering remote areas with space-based cellular broadband connectivity one step closer to reality," said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile. "As we transition toward the anticipated launch, we want to include as many of our shareholders as we can who have supported us along the way in our journey."
Investors will need to own at least 1,000 shares in order to qualify for the lottery and have been a shareholder for over a year, according to the news release. A random drawing will be conducted by AST SpaceMobile for those who are qualified to attend the launch.