BlueBird 7 left in an orbit too low to operate after New Glenn upper-stage anomaly

AST SpaceMobile/BlueBird constellation

BlueBird 7, AST SpaceMobile's second next-generation satellite, launched on Blue Origin's New Glenn on April 19, 2026, but an upper-stage engine underperformed and left it in an orbit too low to operate. The satellite was deorbited, a significant setback for AST's plan to build out constellation coverage quickly.

• Launched April 19, 2026 on New Glenn NG-3; upper-stage thrust shortfall left satellite in low orbit
• Satellite successfully powered on but altitude insufficient for sustained operations using onboard propulsion
• Deorbited; insurance covers losses from New Glenn upper-stage failure
• Setback to AST constellation deployment timeline and expansion plan