New Glenn-3 to Launch AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Satellite

Blue Origin today announced that New Glenn’s next mission, New Glenn-3 (NG-3), will carry AST SpaceMobile’s next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellite to low Earth orbit. The launch is scheduled for no earlier than late February from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. 

AST SpaceMobile selected Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch vehicle in November 2024 as part of its launch campaign for its cellular broadband network.  The Bluebird satellite network will support commercial and government telecommunications applications, enabling users to remain connected as their devices transition between terrestrial cellular networks and space-based coverage, delivering broadband connectivity anytime, anywhere. 

“We’re proud to have AST SpaceMobile as our customer on NG-3,” said Dave Limp, CEO, Blue Origin. “Our customers need a reliable, cost-effective launch vehicle, and New Glenn is purpose-built to serve their needs.” 

The mission follows the successful NG-2 mission, which included the landing of the “Never Tell Me The Odds” booster. The same booster is being refurbished to power NG-3.