🚨 Breaking news $ASTS Bluebird block 2 satellite has initiated propulsive testing manoeuvres in bar configuration. 🚨 Latest Spaceforce TLEs just now made available shows an altitude increase of 4 meters, while drag drops. It’s a characteristic signature shift from the steady altitude decay expected if not under active propulsion. The two other satellites from the batch went straight to full deployment. Conclusion: BB11 stayed in the last configuration before that with just 1/6 of the array (but 1/3 of solar panels) exposed. A low drag / high power configuration suited for orbital raise and performed propulsion tests in that configuration. This advanced testing regime is in anticipation of ASIC L and S band satellites being built that will perform orbital raise before starting operations. This ”proof of life” / proof of active testing debunks a lot of bear/ short-thesis as to the state of this satellite