AST SpaceMobile secures $43 million US govt contract

NewsAST SpaceMobile has been awarded a $43 million contract to support the US Space Development Agency (SDA), expanding its role in government satellite communicationsThe agreement follows successful in-orbit testing of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker-3 satellite under a previous contract in February last year. The company will deploy its Block 2 BlueBird satellites, which feature large phased-array antennas spanning 2,400 square feet, to improve connectivity.The SDA, part of the US Space Force, is responsible for advancing space-based capabilities to support military operations. AST SpaceMobile’s technology will contribute to strengthening communications in this sector.“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 of AST SpaceMobile in a press release.“We are deploying groundbreaking technology to create robust and resilient communications solutions and to enable new use cases for the U.S. government.”AST SpaceMobile holds 3,500 patent and patent-pending claims and develops technology for both commercial and government applications.Join us at Connected America next month, 11-12 March in Dallas. Get discounted tickets here!Also in the news:Mavenir and O2 Telefónica Germany renew cloud-native partnershipSAIC and Huawei partner to develop new smart EVsPODCAST: The fight to win hearts and minds for rural broadband