Your Guide to SpaceSpace Now
Falcon 9 put three more BlueBird satellites in orbit
The rocket lifted off at 3:49 a.m. EDT on August 5. SpaceX later confirmed deployment of all three direct-to-cell satellites in low Earth orbit.
The story so far
- August 4: This fresh public source was promoted into Space Now because it adds a non-launch development to the current briefing.
- August 5: The mission moved from a scheduled attempt to confirmed deployment.
Interpretation
Why this matters
AST SpaceMobile is building a network designed to connect ordinary mobile phones through satellites; each deployed spacecraft adds capacity to that system.
Known facts
- A Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 3:49 a.m. EDT carrying AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites 11, 12 and 13. SpaceX later confirmed deployment of all three spacecraft into low Earth orbit.
- SpaceX launched three of AST SpaceMobile's huge BlueBird direct-to-cell satellites early on Wednesday morning (Aug. 5).
Unknowns
- Whether follow-up public updates change the scope, timing, or consequence of this item.
Source status
What the sources actually say
Each claim is kept next to its source so the story never overstates what official evidence can actually prove.
Spaceflight Now
A Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 3:49 a.m. EDT carrying AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites 11, 12 and 13. SpaceX later confirmed deployment of all three spacecraft into low Earth orbit.
Space.com
SpaceX launched three of AST SpaceMobile's huge BlueBird direct-to-cell satellites early on Wednesday morning (Aug. 5).
Spaceflight Now
A Falcon 9 lifted off from Cape Canaveral at 3:49 a.m. EDT carrying AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites 11, 12 and 13. SpaceX later confirmed deployment of all three spacecraft into low Earth orbit.
Open sourceSpace.com
SpaceX launched three of AST SpaceMobile's huge BlueBird direct-to-cell satellites early on Wednesday morning (Aug. 5).
Open sourceTimeline
How the story has developed
A running record of what changed, when, and why. Editorial review Aug 5, 2026.
- August 4: This fresh public source was promoted into Space Now because it adds a non-launch development to the current briefing.
- August 5: The mission moved from a scheduled attempt to confirmed deployment.
Corrections
- No corrections recorded.
No separate Starman's Note is needed yet.