AST SpaceMobile Launches New Satellite, Stock Rises 16%

DALLAS, Texas — AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) saw its stock surge 16% on Wednesday, closing at $56.94 per share after announcing the upcoming launch of its BlueBird 6 satellite.

In a social media post late Tuesday, AST SpaceMobile revealed that preparations are underway for the official launch of the BlueBird 6. The satellite, following successful final assembly and testing, is scheduled to be shipped to India on October 12.

BlueBird 6 will be succeeded by BlueBird 7, which the company aims to ship to Cape Canaveral, Florida, later this month. The BlueBird fleet, consisting of satellites 8 through 16, is currently in various production stages, with launch plans set every one to two months through 2026.

AST SpaceMobile’s ambitious goal is to have a total of 46 BlueBird satellites in orbit by early 2026 and to deploy up to 60 by the end of next year. “We have partnered with over 50 mobile network operators serving nearly 3 billion subscribers, leveraging a flexible spectrum strategy,” the company stated. Each BlueBird satellite will feature a 2,400 square feet phased array capable of supporting true direct-to-cell broadband with peak speeds of 120 Mbps.

The launch of these satellites marks a significant milestone for AST SpaceMobile as they prepare to unveil advancements in mobile communication technology.

“These BlueBirds will be the largest commercial satellites ever deployed in low Earth orbit,” the company emphasized, highlighting their substantial capability and potential for revolutionizing wireless technology.

The market’s reaction to the announcement reflects strong investor confidence in AST SpaceMobile’s plans and growth trajectory.