AST SpaceMobile confirmed on April 20, 2026, that its latest satellite payload failed to reach its intended orbital altitude following a launch conducted by Blue Origin. The mission, which utilized Blue Origin’s New Glenn heavy-lift launch vehicle, encountered a technical anomaly during the second-stage burn phase. Preliminary telemetry data indicates that the upper stage engine shut down prematurely, leaving the satellite in a lower-than-planned elliptical orbit that is insufficient for its operational requirements.
The satellite involved in the mission was a Block 2 BlueBird unit, a critical component of AST SpaceMobile’s planned constellation designed to provide direct-to-cell 5G broadband services. These satellites feature approximately 2,400 square feet of antenna space, designed to connect directly to standard unmodified mobile devices. The failure to reach the target altitude of approximately 500 kilometers means the satellite cannot effectively communicate with ground stations or mobile handsets as part of the commercial network.
Blue Origin and AST SpaceMobile have initiated a joint investigation to determine the root cause of the propulsion system failure. According to a technical brief released shortly after the incident, the New Glenn’s BE-3U upper stage engine experienced a pressure drop in the liquid oxygen turbopump approximately 180 seconds into its second burn. While the satellite successfully separated from the launch vehicle, its onboard propulsion system lacks the delta-v capacity required to raise the orbit to the necessary operational parameters.
Following the announcement of the orbital failure, AST SpaceMobile shares experienced a sharp decline during intraday trading, reflecting the immediate impact of the mission's outcome on the company's operational timeline. In an official statement, AST SpaceMobile representatives noted that the company maintains comprehensive launch and initial in-orbit insurance. The policy is expected to cover the manufacturing costs of the satellite as well as the costs associated with the failed launch services. While the financial loss of the hardware is mitigated, the company acknowledged that the loss of the Block 2 unit will necessitate a shift in the deployment schedule for its initial commercial service phase.
Prior to this launch, AST SpaceMobile had successfully deployed five Block 1 BlueBird satellites. The Block 2 series is significantly larger and more capable, intended to provide the throughput necessary for continuous video streaming and high-speed data. The company had previously stated its goal was to achieve near-continuous coverage in key markets by the end of 2026. This mission was the first of several planned launches for the year intended to scale the constellation to the 45-satellite threshold required for nationwide service in the United States.
Blue Origin confirmed that all other aspects of the New Glenn flight, including the successful recovery of the first-stage booster on its landing platform, proceeded as planned. This was the fourth commercial flight for the New Glenn vehicle. The Federal Aviation Administration will oversee the mishap investigation to ensure the safety of future launches. AST SpaceMobile has not yet provided a revised date for its next scheduled deployment.