AST Planning Q1 2024 Launch of First Tranche of BlueBird Constellation

AST SpaceMobile expects to launch five of its Block 1 BlueBird satellites in Q1 2024, with launches of its next-generation Block 2 satellites to start later that year, executives said in a call with analysts Friday as the company announced its Q4 2022 financial results. Chief Financial Officer Sean Wallace said the company ended the year with about $239 million in cash on hand, and that, plus its ability to raise funds, should cover its needs for the next 12 months, including the Block 1 satellites. The Block 2 satellites should have improved RF capabilities, executives said. Asked about the FCC's proceeding on supplemental coverage from space (see 2303160009), CEO and founder Abel Avellan said it was "very, very encouraging" for AST's plans because such a direct-to-handset service framework could encourage partnerships between space operators and terrestrial carriers. He said he expects other nations to do similarly. Asked about Germany’s BNetzA requirement that AST SpaceMobile shut off operations when its satellite is within radio visibility of the country (see 2301110032), AST said it hasn't filed for regulatory approval in Germany.