Amazon and AST SpaceMobile gear up for pivotal February satellite launches

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Amazon and AST SpaceMobile gear up for pivotal February satellite launches

A blue satellite with a white background and a blue wave emanating from it, symbolizing satellite communication.
Alex Duffy
Alex Duffy
2 Min.

Amazon and AST SpaceMobile gear up for pivotal February satellite launches

Two major satellite launches are set for mid-February, with Arianespace and AST SpaceMobile preparing missions on different rockets. Arianespace will deploy Amazon's Leo satellites on an Ariane 64, while AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 will fly aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn. Both missions mark key steps in expanding global connectivity and commercial space activity.

Delays and investigations have also shaped recent developments, including a postponed AST SpaceMobile launch and an ongoing legal review.

Arianespace's Mission VA267 is scheduled for February 12th, weather and technical checks permitting. The Ariane 64 rocket will carry a batch of Amazon Leo satellites, designed to provide fast internet to underserved regions. This launch is part of Arianespace's broader plans, with 7-8 Ariane 6 flights expected in 2023 and a target of 9-10 missions annually by 2027. The company is also reserving capacity from 2029 to deploy IRIS2, Europe's sovereign broadband constellation.

AST SpaceMobile's next BlueBird satellite (#7/FM2) will launch in mid-February on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. The mission follows delays to BlueBird 6, which the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) postponed due to extended pre-launch testing. In early 2026, AST SpaceMobile announced that law firm King & Spalding would investigate potential violations of federal security law linked to the delay. The Amazon Leo mission aims to bridge gaps in global internet coverage, targeting areas where traditional networks are unreliable or unavailable. Meanwhile, AST SpaceMobile continues advancing its own constellation, despite setbacks and regulatory scrutiny.

The February launches highlight the growing demand for satellite-based internet and the challenges of managing complex space missions. Arianespace's long-term plans include supporting Europe's IRIS2 network, while AST SpaceMobile pushes forward with its BlueBird series. Legal and technical hurdles, however, remain part of the industry's evolving landscape.