SpaceX to Launch 3 BlueBird Direct-to-Cell Satellites Early Aug. 5

SpaceX will launch three of AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird direct-to-cell satellites early Wednesday from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with a 96-minute window opening at 3:42 a.m. EDT. The Falcon 9 rocket carries BlueBirds 11-13, nearly doubling the next-generation constellation in orbit. The company says the satellites will nearly double peak download speeds and position it for beta services later this year.