In November of last year, AST SpaceMobile shared that its direct-to-cell satellite, the BlueWalker 3, was successfully deployed. The update iswasconsidered a critical step in delivering space-powered 5G broadband service. "Every person should have the right to access cellular broadband, regardless of where they live or work," AST SpaceMobile Chairman and CEO Abel Avellan said at the time. "Our goal is to close the connectivity gaps that negatively impact billions of lives around the world."