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AST SpaceMobile Eyes ULA Vulcan for Satellite Launches
14 May
Summary
- AST SpaceMobile is considering ULA's Vulcan rocket for future satellite launches.
- The company aims for 45 satellites by year-end despite a recent launch failure.
- Both AST SpaceMobile and ULA face ongoing investigations impacting launch schedules.
AST SpaceMobile is considering adding United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket to its launch provider portfolio, potentially accommodating up to five satellites per mission. This strategic move aims to diversify launch options alongside existing contracts with Blue Origin and SpaceX. The company has reaffirmed its objective to deploy 45 satellites by the close of 2026, undeterred by the recent loss of a BlueBird satellite during a New Glenn rocket's upper stage burn on April 19, 2026.
Currently, AST SpaceMobile plans its next satellite deployment for mid-June 2026, utilizing a SpaceX Falcon 9 to carry three BlueBird satellites. While expressing optimism about Blue Origin resuming New Glenn launches soon, the company has not received recent updates on the investigation into the April anomaly. The introduction of Vulcan launches by ULA is also subject to its own ongoing investigation following a solid rocket booster anomaly in February 2026.
