The company is trying to secure FCC permission to lower the orbit of its next-gen satellite.
aceMobile is hoping to launch a second next-generation prototype satellite « as early as January » as it races to compete with SpaceX’s cellular Starlink service.
The company disclosed the launch timing in a new Federal Communications Commission filing. AST is already on track to launch its first prototype satellite, FM1, later this month. However, it appears that it’s also scrambling to launch the FM2 as soon as possible.
“As part of its proactive efforts to secure sufficient launches for its satellite constellation on an expedited basis, AST SpaceMobile was able to secure an accelerated launch slot capable of launching a BlueBird satellite as early as January 2026,” the company wrote.
Interestingly, AST has tapped rival SpaceX to launch the satellite using a Falcon 9 rocket. But the filing notes: “In order to meet quick turnaround launch requirements, AST SpaceMobile was constrained in the available orbital parameters for launch. The alternative was to forgo the launch opportunity.
