TLDR
- AST SpaceMobile stock rose nearly 10% after-hours as BlueBird 6 satellite completed testing and prepares for India shipment
- Barclays lifted price target to $60 from $37, citing improved medium-term outlook despite Q2 revenue miss
- Company targeting 45-60 satellites in orbit by end of 2026 with launches every one to two months
- FCC approved 20 satellite launches, enabling aggressive expansion plans
- Stock has doubled in 2025 with retail investor interest surging 341% on social platforms
AST SpaceMobile stock climbed nearly 10% in after-hours trading Tuesday. The space-based connectivity company announced BlueBird 6 is ready for launch.
The first next-generation Block 2 satellite completed final assembly and testing. It will depart for India on October 12.
This kicks off the company’s next-generation satellite launch campaign. BlueBird 7 ships to Cape Canaveral later this month.
Barclays Boosts Price Target
Barclays raised its price target from $37 to $60 while keeping an Overweight rating. The upgrade followed second quarter 2025 results.
The company reported earnings per share of -$0.41, missing the -$0.21 forecast. Revenue hit $1.15 million versus $5.56 million expected.
Despite near-term challenges, Barclays sees improved medium-term prospects. The firm points to T-Mobile and Starlink’s $10 monthly text service as validation.
AST’s planned offering includes text, calls, and broadband capabilities. Barclays believes this richer service can command higher prices.
The investment bank outlined an upside scenario of $120 per share. A downside case sits at $5 per share based on operational risks.
Aggressive Launch Schedule Takes Shape
AST SpaceMobile plans to launch satellites every one to two months through 2025 and 2026. The goal is 45 to 60 satellites in orbit by end of 2026.
BlueBirds 8 through 16 are in various production stages. The company remains on track to complete 40 phased arrays by early 2026.
Each satellite features a 2,400-square-foot phased array. They deliver direct-to-cell broadband with speeds up to 120 Mbps per cell.
These represent the largest commercial satellites ever launched into low Earth orbit. They can process 10,000 MHz of bandwidth.
The Federal Communications Commission approved 20 satellite launches last month. The clearance came with certain conditions but enables expansion.
Partnerships and Market Position
The company has partnered with over 50 mobile network operators. These partners serve nearly 3 billion subscribers worldwide.
AST combines its licensed spectrum with partner spectrum for direct 5G connectivity from space. The strategy avoids direct competition with telecom operators.
Retail sentiment on Stocktwits turned bullish by Wednesday morning. Message volume jumped 341% in 24 hours.
One investor reported holding 15,000 shares ahead of the launch campaign. Another compared the company’s $13 billion market cap to Starlink’s $220 billion valuation.
The stock has more than doubled so far in 2025. The company recently completed its acquisition of EllioSat Ltd from CCUR Holdings for $26 million in stock.
