AST SpaceMobile Stock (ASTS) Jumps Overnight on BlueBird 6 Completion

AST SpaceMobile's stock (NASDAQ:ASTS) experienced a significant surge in after-hours trading, up 9.49% on the back of an announcement that its BlueBird 6 satellite has completed final assembly and testing, marking a key milestone in the company's ambitious space-based cellular broadband project. The stock price has already shown growth of 126% since the turn of the year, with the latest news adding further fuel for bulls.

The completion of BlueBird 6 and its impending shipment to India on October 12 aboard an Antonov cargo plane signifies a tangible step forward in AST SpaceMobile's deployment strategy. This development aligns with the company's broader plans to launch a constellation of satellites to provide direct-to-smartphone cellular coverage globally. Concurrent to this, the FCC granted approval for the launch of 20 satellites, subject to certain conditions, further bolstering market sentiment.

This operational progress is underpinned by strategic partnerships, notably the multi-launch agreement with Blue Origin for deploying next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites using the New Glenn rocket. The agreement forms part of a larger initiative to launch approximately 60 satellites during 2025 and 2026, aimed at delivering continuous space-based cellular broadband service across high-demand markets. The direct-to-cellular partnership with Verizon Communications, backed by a $100 million commitment from Verizon, emphasizes the strategic importance of AST SpaceMobile's technology in achieving comprehensive coverage across the continental United States using premium 850 MHz cellular spectrum from space.

Despite the positive operational developments, AST SpaceMobile's recent financial performance presents a mixed picture. The second-quarter 2025 earnings revealed a significant revenue shortfall, with an EPS of -$0.41, falling short of the anticipated -$0.21. Revenue for the quarter was $1.15 million, significantly below the expected $5.56 million. 

Despite the earnings miss, ASTS stock has gained 126% year-to-date, demonstrating investors' confidence in the company’s long-term vision and strategic partnerships. The current plan is to complete 40 phased arrays by early 2026, culminating in BlueBird 46, with expectations of having 45-60 satellites in orbit by the end of that year. Launches are planned every 1-2 months on average during 2025 and 2026. This aggressive launch schedule suggests a significant ramp-up in capital expenditure but also underscores the company's commitment to achieving its ambitious deployment targets.

The overnight jump in AST SpaceMobile's stock price reflects the market's enthusiasm for the company's technological progress and strategic positioning, but the long-term trajectory will depend on its ability to execute its ambitious plans and deliver on its financial targets.