TLDR
- AST SpaceMobile shares jumped 6% following the December 15 launch date announcement for BlueBird 6
- The satellite’s phased array spans nearly 2,400 square feet, making it 3.5 times larger than previous models
- Company targets 45-60 satellites in orbit by end of 2026 with launches every one to two months
- Q3 2025 revenue reached $14.7 million, tripling the company’s entire 2024 revenue
- AST SpaceMobile has secured over $1 billion in partner commitments from Verizon, Vodafone, and stc Group
AST SpaceMobile stock gained ground Thursday after the company confirmed when its next satellite will launch. Shares rose 6% on the announcement.
The company set December 15 as the launch date for BlueBird 6. The satellite will lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India.
BlueBird 6 represents a major upgrade over earlier models. The satellite features a nearly 2,400 square foot phased array.
That makes it the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in low Earth orbit. It’s 3.5 times bigger than previous BlueBird satellites.
The new satellite also carries 10 times the data capacity of its predecessors. This increased capability is central to the company’s expansion plans.
Aggressive Launch Schedule
AST SpaceMobile isn’t slowing down after BlueBird 6. The company expects five orbital launches by the end of Q1 2026.
Following that initial push, launches will happen every one to two months on average. The pace reflects the company’s manufacturing ramp-up.
The target is to have 45-60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026. That constellation would enable continuous coverage across the United States and select international markets.
CEO Abel Avellan said the next-generation satellites will bring cellular broadband coverage directly to smartphones from space. The service targets areas beyond traditional cell tower reach.
The company built BlueBird 6 at its Midland, Texas headquarters. AST SpaceMobile operates nearly 500,000 square feet of facilities worldwide.
About 400,000 square feet of that manufacturing space is located in the United States. The company employs roughly 1,800 people globally.
Financial Performance
AST SpaceMobile remains in early revenue generation stages. The company posted $14.7 million in Q3 2025 revenue.
That figure came primarily from hitting U.S. government milestones. It’s more than triple what the company generated in all of 2024.
The company has locked in over $1 billion in revenue commitments. Major partners include Verizon, Vodafone, and Saudi Arabia’s stc Group.
AST SpaceMobile has already launched its first five BlueBird satellites. BlueBird 6 marks the beginning of the next-generation fleet.
Fourth quarter revenue is expected to reach approximately $50 million. The company’s second-half guidance ranged from $50 million to $75 million.
The stock currently trades with a market cap around $14 billion. That valuation comes despite the company just beginning commercial operations.
AST SpaceMobile competes in satellite broadband alongside established players like Starlink. The market focuses on providing connectivity in underserved areas.
The company plans to complete 40 satellites equivalent of microns by early 2026. Production is accelerating at its Texas facility.
The December 15 launch date could shift based on various factors. Weather conditions, launch readiness, and other variables outside the company’s control may affect timing.
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