Would-be global supplier of direct-to-cellular (D2C) services for the world’s telcos, AST SpaceMobile, is seeking permission to more than double its satellite fleet size. Currently it has authorisation to orbit 243 satellites. It has asked the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for permission to coordinate frequencies and spectrum for the proposed new craft and their orbits.

The underlying sentiment, however, is much greater confidence in the prospects for D2C support. The leap from 243 to 543 satellites signals real momentum in the sector. The sophistication in the planning for the expanded fleet and the multiple altitude orbital shells show sophisticated service planning. Non-geostationary satellite services and their constellations are maturing rapidly.

AST will have to make a similar application to the FCC. This might not be a given, as the new satellites will tap into new orbits and orbital shells with 18 satellites orbiting in equatorial orbits. The new altitudes are: 460, 520, 690, 730, 735 and 740 kms heights.

AST is ramping up satellite building at its Midland, Texas HQ and reflecting an improved launch cadence.

AST has a couple of launches coming up and plans to have between 45-60 satellites in orbit by year-end.

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Categories: Articles, Broadband, Satellite

Tags: AST SpaceMobile, ITU