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Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket misplaces AST SpaceMobile satellite, triggering stock decline and program scrutiny

other · 2026-04-20

On Sunday, Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket encountered a failure, resulting in AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 satellite being placed in an incorrect orbit and thus becoming nonfunctional. Consequently, the satellite will be de-orbited to disintegrate upon re-entry into the atmosphere, leading to a nearly 12% decline in AST SpaceMobile's stock during premarket trading on Monday. The launch, which took place at 7:35 a.m. from Cape Canaveral, was New Glenn's third mission and marked the inaugural reuse of a booster. Blue Origin described the situation as an "off-nominal orbit" and is currently conducting an investigation. AST SpaceMobile's insurance will cover the loss, and the company intends to continue its launch schedule through 2026, with BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 prepared within a month. This incident poses challenges for Blue Origin's aspirations within NASA's Artemis program.

Key facts

  • Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket placed AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7 satellite in the wrong orbit on Sunday
  • The satellite reached an altitude too shallow to function and will be de-orbited to burn up
  • AST SpaceMobile stock fell almost 12% in premarket trading Monday
  • The launch occurred from Cape Canaveral at 7:35 a.m. local time
  • This was New Glenn's third space mission and first reuse of a previously flown booster
  • AST SpaceMobile said insurance will cover the financial loss and replacement satellites BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 will be ready within a month
  • New Glenn debuted in January 2025 after over a decade of development
  • Blue Origin is investigating the cause and described it as an "off-nominal orbit" on X

Entities

Institutions

  • AST SpaceMobile
  • Blue Origin
  • NASA
  • UBS
  • Clear Street
  • CNBC

Locations

  • Cape Canaveral
  • United States

Sources