Midland-based AST SpaceMobile, Inc. has announced its participation in a project led by the United States Space Development Agency (SDA).
According to a news release, the $43 million contract is facilitated through a prime contractor supporting the SDA. AST SpaceMobile is recognized for developing the only space-based cellular broadband network directly accessible by everyday smartphones, intended for both commercial and government applications. The SDA is part of the U.S. Space Force, with a mission to quickly realize space-based capabilities that support terrestrial missions through the construction and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
The initiative follows the success of BlueWalker-3 in orbit under a previous contract announced in February 2024. This endeavor demonstrated AST SpaceMobile's technology dynamics for specialized government applications. The company’s next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites will feature what it claims are the largest commercial phased array antennas ever deployed in low Earth orbit, measuring 2,400 square feet.
"This second contract supporting the SDA underscores the confidence in AST SpaceMobile’s innovative technology and its potential to support critical government missions," said Chris Ivory, chief commercial officer and head of government business at AST SpaceMobile. "We are deploying groundbreaking technology to create robust and resilient communications solutions and to enable new use cases for the U.S. government."