TLDR
- ASTS gains 2.61% as BlueBird 12 and 13 complete full satellite deployment milestone
- BlueBird 12 and 13 strengthen AST SpaceMobile’s direct-to-device network growth
- AST SpaceMobile targets 45 BlueBird satellites in orbit by early 2027 expansion
- New Zealand gateway expands AST SpaceMobile’s growing global ground network reach
- ASTS momentum builds as satellite production advances through BlueBird 48 rollout
AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) shares regained momentum after the company completed deployment of its BlueBird 12 and 13 communications satellites. ASTS closed Thursday at $61.44, gaining 2.61% and ending a three-session losing streak. However, the stock eased 1.12% to $60.75 during Friday’s pre-market trading.
AST SpaceMobile, Inc., ASTS
AST SpaceMobile Completes BlueBird Satellite Deployment
AST SpaceMobile confirmed the full deployment of BlueBird 12 and 13 following their August 5 launch. SpaceX launched BlueBirds 11, 12 and 13 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral. The milestone strengthens the company’s expanding direct-to-device satellite communications network.
Each next-generation BlueBird carries a communications array measuring about 2,400 square feet. The satellites can deliver broadband data, voice and text services directly to standard smartphones. Therefore, customers will not require specialized satellite phones or additional hardware to access planned services.
The newer spacecraft are more than three times larger than AST SpaceMobile’s original five Block 1 satellites. AST SpaceMobile expects the satellites to support peak data speeds approaching 200 Mbps. That performance would nearly double the company’s previously demonstrated peak speed of 98.9 Mbps.
AST SpaceMobile Expands Satellite Production
AST SpaceMobile is also increasing production as it builds additional satellites for future launches. The company has completed production of BlueBird 14, while BlueBirds 15 and 16 approach completion. Meanwhile, manufacturing work now extends through BlueBird 48 at the company’s production facilities.
The company aims to place 45 BlueBird satellites in orbit by early 2027. AST SpaceMobile also targets a manufacturing rate of six fully assembled satellites each month. Consequently, faster production could support broader coverage as the company moves toward continuous service across major markets.
The planned constellation could eventually include more than 100 satellites built in Texas. AST SpaceMobile expects that network to support worldwide SpaceMobile service using its controlled spectrum assets. Beyond mobile connectivity, the platform could support computing services and advanced government communications applications.
New Zealand Gateway Supports ASTS Network Growth
AST SpaceMobile also advanced its ground infrastructure through a new satellite gateway in New Zealand. Partner 2degrees officially opened the Marton Satellite Ground Station to connect satellites with its telecommunications network. The facility supports integration for planned direct-to-device broadband, voice and text services.
The New Zealand site joins nearly 50 gateways under development, installation or planning worldwide. During the second quarter, AST SpaceMobile delivered 13 gateways to seven customers across five continents. Therefore, the company continues building infrastructure alongside its expanding satellite manufacturing program.
AST SpaceMobile has agreements with more than 60 mobile network operators representing over three billion subscribers. Its partners include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Bell, Telus and stc Group. The BlueBird deployments and gateway expansion provide fresh operational support for ASTS after its recent share-price weakness.
The post AST SpaceMobile Inc. (ASTS) Stock: Surges as BlueBird 12 and 13 Deployment Sparks Momentum appeared first on Blockonomi.
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