---
title: "Blue Origin rocket explosion disrupts AST SpaceMobile plans: satellite communication service launch postponed to 2027"
description: "The explosion of the New Glenn rocket from Blue Origin forced AST SpaceMobile to postpone the launch of satellite internet to 2027. 🚀 The company has already spent $1 billion on bonds to find new partners and reduce dependence on launch failures. 📡"
date: 2026-07-16T15:34:05.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/blue-origin-rocket-explosion-disrupts-ast-spacemobile-plans
tags: [ast-spacemobile, blue-origin, spacex, new-glenn, satellite-internet]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Blue Origin rocket explosion disrupts AST SpaceMobile plans: satellite communication service launch postponed to 2027

![AST SpaceMobile satellites in Earth's orbit, illustrating the delay in launching the satellite communication service due to the Blue Origin rocket explosion](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/16/vzryv-rakety-blue-origin-sorval-plany-ast-spacemobile/vzryv-rakety-blue-origin-sorval-plany-ast-spacemobile-1.webp)

Satellite mobile operator AST SpaceMobile has officially postponed the date for the commencement of its commercial operations. Instead of the planned end of 2026, the company intends to launch services only in 2027. This decision is a direct consequence of an incident involving the New Glenn rocket, owned by Blue Origin, which was supposed to ensure the orbital deployment of a key part of the satellite constellation.

### Logistics crisis and launch delay

Initially, AST SpaceMobile counted on Blue Origin's assistance to launch and deploy 45 BlueBird satellites later this year. It was this large-scale deployment of spacecraft that was supposed to give the green light for the start of customer service for major terrestrial operators AT&T and Verizon. However, according to documents filed with the regulator, current expectations regarding launch availability have forced the plan to be moved to early 2027.

Despite the serious accident, Blue Origin intends to restore New Glenn rocket flights by the end of the year. Nevertheless, AST SpaceMobile cannot wait and is already taking steps to minimize damage. Three BlueBird spacecraft were sent to orbit using the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Three more satellites are scheduled for launch on the same rocket model in the first half of August.

### Satellite shortage and search for new partners

Actions with SpaceX do not solve the problem globally: as a result of current launches, the operator's constellation will consist of only 13 spacecraft. This is clearly insufficient for the full operation of the service. In this regard, the company is actively seeking ways to diversify and is trying to sign contracts with new partners, not limiting itself to only Blue Origin and SpaceX.

AST SpaceMobile announced the raising of $1 billion through the placement of convertible bonds. These funds will be directed towards expanding growth initiatives and, critically, to ensuring additional access to orbit. The company's strategy includes partnerships and acquisitions for further vertical business integration, which should reduce risks associated with dependence on third-party launch service providers.

### Financial reserves and possible scenarios

The question of exactly whom AST SpaceMobile might acquire remains open. Given the limited circle of suppliers in the market, one version suggests United Launch Alliance. However, the company's official statement emphasizes that at this time, there are no agreements or arrangements regarding such strategic deals.

The company's financial position allows for maneuvering: as of the end of June, AST SpaceMobile had $2.7 billion in cash. This buffer provides time to search for new partners or purchase assets necessary to accelerate network deployment and fulfill obligations to partners in the telecommunications sector.