# BlueWalker 3

> American communications and technology demonstration satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q121316180](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q121316180)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlueWalker_3)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bluewalker-3

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **BlueWalker 3**:

---

## Summary  
BlueWalker 3 is an American communications and technology demonstration satellite operated by AST SpaceMobile. Launched in 2022, it serves as a prototype for testing advanced satellite communication technologies and is part of the BlueBird satellite series.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** September 11, 2022, at 01:20:00 UTC  
- **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5 (B1058.14)  
- **Launch Site:** Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A  
- **Operator:** AST SpaceMobile  
- **Mass:** Approximately 1,500 kg (launch weight)  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2022-111AL  
- **NSSDCA ID:** 2022111AL  
- **Country of Origin:** United States  
- **Preceded by:** BlueWalker 1  
- **Classifications:** Communications satellite, technology demonstration spacecraft  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of BlueWalker 3?  
A: BlueWalker 3 is designed to demonstrate advanced satellite communication technologies and serves as a prototype for AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellite series.  

### Q: Who operates BlueWalker 3?  
A: The satellite is operated by AST SpaceMobile, an American company specializing in satellite communications.  

### Q: How was BlueWalker 3 launched?  
A: It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Kennedy Space Center on September 11, 2022.  

## Why It Matters  
BlueWalker 3 represents a significant step in satellite communication technology, aiming to bridge gaps in global connectivity by testing new methods for direct-to-device communication. Its development and launch highlight the growing role of private companies in advancing space-based telecommunications. However, its brightness has raised concerns among astronomers, as it disrupts astronomical observations, sparking debates about the balance between technological progress and scientific research.  

## Notable For  
- **Prototype Role:** Serves as a testbed for AST SpaceMobile's future BlueBird satellites.  
- **Brightness Controversy:** Its visibility from Earth has been noted as a challenge for astronomers.  
- **Advanced Testing:** Demonstrates cutting-edge communication technologies for global connectivity.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on **September 11, 2022**, aboard a **Falcon 9 Block 5** rocket.  
- Liftoff occurred from **Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A**.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass:** ~1,500 kg (launch weight).  
- **Manufacturer:** AST SpaceMobile.  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 53807.  

### Mission and Impact  
- Part of the **BlueBird block 1** series.  
- Described in research as a disruptor of astronomy due to its brightness.  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "BlueWalker 3",
  "description": "American communications and technology demonstration satellite operated by AST SpaceMobile.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q115801051",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BlueWalker_3"
  ],
  "additionalType": [
    "Communications satellite",
    "Technology demonstration spacecraft"
  ]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/bluewalker-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report