Midland, Texas – AST SpaceMobile has secured a role in a new U.S. Space Force technology-development effort, expanding the potential military applications of its commercial satellite technology. Announced on November 5, 2026, the work will see the company support STR, the prime contractor, in advancing space-based sensing capabilities.
The project aims to evaluate how commercially developed satellite technologies can support national security requirements beyond conventional communications. AST SpaceMobile will use its BlueBird satellite platform, originally developed to provide broadband connectivity directly to standard, unmodified smartphones.
BlueBird Satellites for Defence Applications
The next-generation BlueBird satellites feature large phased-array antennas, advanced onboard processing and a multi-frequency architecture. Their phased-array technology allows antenna beams to be electronically directed without physically moving the antenna.
According to Chris Ivory, CEO of AST SpaceMobile Defense, the platform combines proprietary design with the largest phased array ever deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO). He said the technology could support millions of users and dozens of applications across airborne, maritime and ground domains.
The company's technology portfolio is supported by more than 3,900 patent and patent-pending claims. AST SpaceMobile has also gained experience from previous satellite deployments and earlier collaboration with STR on related orbital technology projects.
U.S. Manufacturing and Satellite Development
AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites are assembled, integrated and tested at its facilities in Midland, Texas. The company operates more than 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operational facilities worldwide and employs over 2,250 people.
Its next-generation platform combines connectivity, onboard processing and a scalable architecture designed to support both commercial and government applications.
The new Space Force effort represents another step in applying commercial satellite technology to defence requirements, particularly in space-based sensing.
AST SpaceMobile has not disclosed the contract value, its specific share of the work or the project timeline. The announcement also does not provide details about the sensing technologies being developed or their planned operational deployment.
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