space
Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 3 Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile
By Will Robinson-Smith at Spaceflight Now
· June 16, 2026
· 4 min read
AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites 8, 9, and 10 are encapsulated inside a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket payload fairing ahead of launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Image: AST SpaceMobile / SpaceX
AST SpaceMobile is bouncing back from the loss of its BlueBird 7 satellite last month with t...
Key takeaway The company is launching BlueBird 8, 9, and 10 onboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Why this matters in The Brownsville
For Brownsville residents, the launch of AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites by SpaceX is a reminder of the company's growing presence in the region. With SpaceX's Starbase launch site located at Boca Chica, just outside of Brownsville, the city is becoming increasingly connected to the space industry. The success of this launch could have implications for the local economy, as SpaceX continues to invest in the area and create new job opportunities. Additionally, the development of space-based broadband services by AST SpaceMobile could potentially benefit the Rio Grande Valley, where access to reliable internet can be limited in some areas. As the space industry continues to expand in Brownsville, residents can expect to see more launches and developments in the coming years, further solidifying the city's position as a major player in the industry. This launch is just one example of the exciting advancements happening in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by Spaceflight Now . The Brownsville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Spaceflight Now . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: space ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: Spaceflight Now ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird satellites 8, 9, and 10 are encapsulated inside a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket payload fairing ahead of launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Image: AST SpaceMobile / SpaceX
AST SpaceMobile is bouncing back from the loss of its BlueBird 7 satellite last month with t...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by Spaceflight Now and curated for The Brownsville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Will Robinson-Smith at Spaceflight Now. To learn more about how The Brownsville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more space coverage from The Brownsville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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