# BlueBird Spotter — ASTS BlueBird Live Tracker

> Real-time AST SpaceMobile satellite tracking with 3D globe and educational content. (iPhone/iPad app by Thomas Dobson.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluebird-spotter/id6758869623 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Thomas Dobson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1242178353)
- Category: Education, Reference
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 11 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 26.0 · 71 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-02-10
- Data updated: 2026-08-20
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluebird-spotter/id6758869623/reviews.md

## What is BlueBird Spotter?

BlueBird Spotter lets you follow estimated AST SpaceMobile satellite positions in near real time using public Orbit Mean-Elements Message (OMM) data from CelesTrak, including newer satellites with six-digit NORAD catalog IDs.

Built for AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) followers, space enthusiasts, and anyone curious about direct-to-cell satellite networks, the app combines satellite tracking, an interactive 3D globe, forecast tools, news, and plain-language context in one place.

What you can do:
- Track estimated BlueBird satellite positions with smooth on-screen updates up to 1 Hz
- Explore a 3D Earth globe with orbit paths, real-time lighting, and estimated coverage zones
- Use Time Machine to scrub and simulate satellite positions up to 48 hours ahead
- View a personalized coverage forecast for your location
- Set optional coverage alerts so you know when a satellite pass is coming up
- View current orbit data, including NORAD IDs and orbital elements, in a clean, readable format
- Stay up to date with the latest AST SpaceMobile news
- Learn how AST SpaceMobile and BlueBird satellites work in the in-app Info tab
- Personalize the experience with appearance, globe, forecast, and tracking controls

About the data:
BlueBird Spotter uses public OMM orbital data and standard SGP4 propagation models to estimate satellite position and motion over time. It does not receive live telemetry from the satellites. Forecasts and coverage zones are estimates and may become less accurate as predictions extend further into the future.

Disclaimer:
BlueBird Spotter is an independent enthusiast project for educational and informational use. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by AST SpaceMobile (ASTS). This app is not a flight operations, navigation, or safety-critical tool, and nothing in the app is financial advice.

## Key features

- Real-time satellite tracking
- Interactive 3D Earth globe
- Orbit path visualization
- Simulated coverage zones
- Latest AST SpaceMobile news
- In-app educational information
- Customizable appearance

## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bluebird-spotter/id6758869623/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Comprehensive AST SpaceMobile app!!

*2026-06-21*

This is a great one stop shop app for AST lovers to follow the birds in orbit, stock movement, and company news. And it’s free!

### 5/5 — Spacemob Approved!

*2026-06-21*

Wanna track a waffle?  This is what to do need.

### 5/5 — Spacemob is strong

*2026-06-21*

What a beautiful idea and impressive app

### 5/5 — Beautiful app

*2026-05-16*

Love to see my bluebirds flying.

### 5/5 — Incredible

*2026-02-23*

This is such a neat tool to spot the largest commercial objects ever put into low earth orbit! Really well made.

## Frequently asked questions about BlueBird Spotter

### What is BlueBird Spotter?

BlueBird Spotter is an independent enthusiast project designed for educational and informational purposes. It allows users to follow AST SpaceMobile satellites in near real-time using public orbital data.

### How often is BlueBird Spotter updated?

The app was last updated on April 26, 2026, with version 1.13. It uses cache-aware updates designed for reliability, with satellite position updates available up to 1 Hz.

### Is BlueBird Spotter available on Android?

Based on the provided data, BlueBird Spotter is currently only supported on iPhone devices. There is no information about an Android version at this time.

### Does BlueBird Spotter have ads?

No, BlueBird Spotter does not contain advertisements. The app is free to use and does not display any ads to users.

### What kind of learning content does BlueBird Spotter offer?

The app includes an 'Info' tab where users can learn about how AST SpaceMobile and BlueBird satellites work. It provides plain-language context about direct-to-cell satellite networks.

### Can I use BlueBird Spotter for flight navigation?

No, BlueBird Spotter is explicitly stated as not being a flight operations, navigation, or safety-critical tool. It is intended solely for educational and informational use.

### What is the age rating for BlueBird Spotter?

BlueBird Spotter has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users interested in space and satellite technology.

### How does BlueBird Spotter track satellites?

The app utilizes public Two-Line Element (TLE) data to estimate satellite positions and motion over time. It also uses standard propagation models for these estimations.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.18 — 2026-08-12

BlueBird Spotter now tracks BlueBird 11, 12, and 13. Orbit tracking now uses modern OMM data from CelesTrak instead of legacy TLE data, supporting full six-digit NORAD IDs and future BlueBird launches.

### 1.17 — 2026-06-21

Added Launch History to track ASTS satellite launches and orbit status.
Improved globe scaling and orbit rendering to accommodate a growing constellation as ASTS operationalizes.
Added a historical BlueBird 7 entry to preserve its place in the constellation timeline.

### 1.16 — 2026-06-16

This update includes a new backend for TLE data, interface refinements, and general cleanup across the app. It also includes bug fixes and stability improvements to make the app more reliable.

### 1.15 — 2026-05-29

- Added Time Machine: scrub or play future satellite positions up to 48 hours ahead
- Added Personal Forecast: view estimated coverage windows for your location
- Added optional coverage alerts with customizable lead times
- Added Live Tracking for forecasted passes with Live Activity support
- Improved the 3D globe with simulated coverage, orbit paths, and time-aware lighting

### 1.14 — 2026-05-15

BlueBird Spotter is now available on iPad.

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## More apps by Thomas Dobson

- [Inventory Preloader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inventory-preloader/id6738316120)

All apps by Thomas Dobson: https://appshunter.io/developer/1242178353

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-20.*
