BlueBird 7 is left in an off-nominal orbit after New Glenn launch

BlueBird 7 launched on Blue Origin's third New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral on April 19, 2026, but the payload was not placed into its intended orbit. AST SpaceMobile confirmed the satellite powered on after separation. The loss sets back the company's plan to deploy up to 60 Block 2 BlueBirds and shifted later launches to SpaceX Falcon 9.

• Launch on April 19, 2026 at 7:25 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
• Blue Origin said the payload was placed into an off-nominal orbit; it was not released into its intended orbit
• AST SpaceMobile confirmed the satellite powered on; it is not yet known whether it can reach the planned orbit
• The New Glenn first stage was reflown and landed successfully