New York, January 12, 2026, 11:21 (ET) — Regular session
- Shares of AST SpaceMobile dropped roughly 2% on Monday, following a volatile start to the session.
- Attention remains on execution following the December launch of the company’s BlueBird 6 satellite into orbit
- Many have their sights set on the company’s upcoming quarterly results, due in early March
Shares of AST SpaceMobile, Inc. dropped 1.9% to close at $95.81 on Monday, bouncing between $93.89 and $101.11 amid choppy trading.
This shift is significant since the stock now stands as a stand-in for the “direct-to-device” satellite sector — the wager that phones will link to satellites without extra gear — a space where deadlines and cash flow can send prices spinning.
For AST, the immediate challenge is juggling satellite deployments with cash flow. Building out a constellation doesn’t come cheap, and investors want clear signs that both launches and initial service rollouts are proceeding as planned.
AST announced in late December the successful launch of its first next-generation satellite, BlueBird 6, from India. CEO Abel Avellan described it as “a breakthrough moment” and signaled a “transition to scaled deployment.” The company reaffirmed its goal to launch 45 to 60 satellites by the end of 2026, aiming for launches roughly every one to two months.
The ramp-up depends as much on factories as on rockets. In a Nov. 25 update, AST revealed it had expanded manufacturing facilities in Texas and Florida, boosting its total space to nearly 500,000 square feet and its employee count beyond 1,800.
In November, Vodafone and AST announced plans for a Europe-led satellite constellation, managed via a joint venture. They aim to base the operational centre in Germany. Reuters reported the companies expect commercial operations to kick off in 2026. (Reuters)
Other satellite connectivity stocks edged up Monday. Globalstar climbed roughly 5%, and Iridium gained about 0.6%.
Direct-to-device, also known as direct-to-cell, seeks to link regular phones directly to satellites, pushing coverage into areas beyond cell tower range. The model hinges on roaming agreements with mobile carriers and regulatory approval for spectrum usage.
Valuation is still a key concern, particularly following the sharp gains in early January. This month, a Scotiabank analyst flagged that the shares have outpaced the underlying business and highlighted significant downside risk, Barron’s reported.
Spectrum battles remain a hot topic. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics highlighted growing regulatory and interference worries in the U.S., especially as satellites start using terrestrial mobile bands for direct-to-device services.
Traders will be watching closely for updates on BlueBird 6’s in-orbit checkout and whether the following launch schedule stays on track. AST’s website flags BlueBird 7 as “coming soon,” but also warns that launch dates might change. (AST SpaceMobile)
The company’s upcoming quarterly results are the next major catalyst, with data providers targeting March 2 after the market close for the report. (MarketBeat)
