AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) said its next-generation BlueBird 6 satellite is set to launch on December 15 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India.

When launched, BlueBird 6 will feature the largest commercial phased-array antenna in low Earth orbit, about 2,400 sq. ft., making it 3.5× bigger and 10× higher in data capacity than earlier models.

"Our next-generation satellites will soon enable ubiquitous cellular broadband coverage direct to everyday smartphones from space," said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. "As an American company, we are proud to demonstrate U.S. leadership in space innovation while pioneering the next era of global connectivity."

The company is speeding up production, with 40 satellites equivalent of microns on track to be completed by early 2026.

It plans five orbital launches by the end of first quarter of 2026 and aims to have 45–60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026 to enable continuous coverage in the U.S. and select markets.

ASTS shares jumped 6% premarket.