Jeff Bezos' rocket company Blue Origin has signed a multi-launch deal with satellite communication company AST Spacemobile to deploy the company's direct-to-cellular satellites "over a multi-year period" using Blue's New Glenn rocket,

AST SpaceMobile Inc., which aims to challenge Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the nascent market for space-based cellular service to mobile phones, has signed contracts with SpaceX and Jeff Bezos-founded Blue Origin to launch dozens of its satellites into orbit.

Kent-based Blue Origin announced a multi-launch agreement to deliver next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites to low Earth orbit in space on its New Glenn rocket. AST SpaceMobile, based in Midland,

Blue Origin now has a rocket nearly in one piece as it mated the first and second stages this week of what will be the first ever New Glenn launch from Cape Canaveral.

AST SpaceMobile will use Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket to launch some of the satellites for its cellular broadband network in 2025 and 2026.

Blue Origin showed off its New Glenn rocket after its two stages were mated in the company's Florida facility. The new rocket could take off on its maiden flight as soon as November.