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Abel Avellan

Abel Avellan

Chairman and CEO
AST Spacemobile
28 June 2024

AST SpaceMobile is a Texas-based low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite manufacturer building a space-based cellular broadband network accessible by standard smartphones without additional software or hardware via 2G, 4G, and 5G connections. 

Before joining AST SpaceMobile, you founded Emerging Markets Communications (EMC) and are the broadband commissioner for the United Nations. Why is access to cellular broadband such a passion for you?

I have been working to connect people for literally all my professional life. I started providing connectivity in areas like Africa 20 years ago and saw the human, social, and economic impact as the Internet reached these regions. My previous company, EMC, connected people in remote places in partnership with the United Nations and global multinationals.

Through this work we witnessed the transformative power of connectivity, seeing it uplift communities economically and socially. Connectivity is now a necessity, comparable to water, electricity, and housing. Despite this, about 90% of the Earth's surface still lacks cellular broadband, and billions remain unconnected. This mission has driven me for decades, and I'm passionate about bridging this gap.

Can you give us an overview of AST SpaceMobile's products and services, and why space-based networks are preferable to the existing alternatives?

Our mission is to ensure that the phone in your pocket works anywhere, providing 5G speeds without any modifications or additional steps. We experience connectivity issues daily, whether on a plane, in remote regions or even within cities. AST SpaceMobile is a satellite manufacturer that is 95% vertically integrated, with a large facility in West Texas and around 3,350 patent and patent-pending claims. 

Space-based networks are more feasible and cost-effective because traditional towers can't cover oceans, deserts, or sparsely populated areas. Satellites can cover vast areas from high altitudes, making connectivity possible everywhere.

Who are your biggest competitors in the broadband communications market?

We are unique in providing cellular broadband at sustainable speeds, allowing voice, video, and streaming on standard everyday phones. Competitors may overlap slightly but differ significantly. Traditional satellite phones require specialized, expensive equipment and plans. Some systems use terminals, like antennas on planes or homes, to connect to satellites. 

Our focus, however, is direct-to-phone connectivity, even inside planes. While there are SOS systems like Apple's, offering limited emergency services, we are the only ones aiming to provide broadband directly to standard phones. We have demonstrated this capability with partners like AT&T, Vodafone, Rakuten, and Nokia.

AST SpaceMobile claims it will be able to produce six BlueBird satellites per month, but is currently behind schedule. What is causing the delays? 

Six BlueBird satellites per month are our aim, but we are not there yet. We estimate to transport the five Block 1 BB satellites from our assembly facilities to the launch in Cape Canaveral site between July and August 2024 with an orbital launch scheduled shortly thereafter, and ramp up production to achieve 72 satellites a year. 

Space is challenging, and building the largest commercial satellites ever put into low Earth orbit takes extensive testing and caution. These satellites are complex, and we need to ensure they are fully functional before they can launch. Although the supply chain is complex, we've minimized dependency by manufacturing most components ourselves. We are moving towards operational efficiency, focusing on repeatability and scaling up production.

The AST SpaceMobile constellation has drawn criticism for its potential contribution to light pollution and radio frequency interference. Do you have plans to mitigate this?

We work closely with NASA and the astronomy community to mitigate our impact. Our constellation requires only 90 satellites for global coverage, unlike others planning 40,000 smaller satellites. We design our satellites to minimize visibility from Earth using special paints, colors, and flight techniques. Our approach prioritizes the sustainable use of space, balancing the high societal return of connecting people globally. We coordinate with other space stakeholders and use methodologies to reduce visibility, including limited satellite numbers and specific design features.

Your company’s headquarters and primary manufacturing facility is in Midland Texas. In your opinion, what makes Texas a prime location for space companies to conduct operations?

Texas provided the necessary support for us to establish our facilities quickly, with almost 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space. The permitting process was efficient, allowing us to build at a pace other states might struggle with. Texas's affinity for large-scale projects aligns with our needs. Our satellites are assembled and tested in Texas, leveraging local expertise in handling large structures. We have a distributed workforce across the country, but Texas offers a centralized location with strong congressional and senatorial support, critical for our operations. Additionally, the proximity to transportation hubs facilitates the shipment of our satellites for launch.

Despite considerable technological advancements and reach, not everyone is benefitting from cellular broadband. What are your growth plans for AST SpaceMobile for the next 12 months?

We are transitioning to an operational phase, moving from technology development to commercialization. This year, we are starting to generate revenue, with initial agreements in place with operators and the U.S. government. Our priorities include scaling up production, launching the next batch of satellites, and achieving the capability to produce six satellites per month. Our focus is on deploying fewer but larger satellites to provide broadband connectivity to standard phones globally. This approach aims to ensure consistent, high-quality service.