New York, January 20, 2026, 10:55 ET — Market open for regular trading.
- AST SpaceMobile shares barely moved in morning trading despite a new bullish note from Deutsche Bank.
- Traders are digging into fresh chatter about satellite production and upcoming launch dates.
- Upcoming milestones include launch execution and the forthcoming earnings report.
AST SpaceMobile shares slipped 0.2% to $115.59 in early Tuesday trading, bouncing within a range from $107.69 to $118.92. Deutsche Bank boosted its price target on the Nasdaq-listed satellite company to $137 from $81, maintaining a “Buy” rating. The firm pointed to a richer valuation multiple and accelerated long-term growth assumptions in its outlook. 1
The stock now hinges squarely on execution. Investors are ready to pay a premium for evidence that the company can shift from “proof” satellites to a consistent factory-and-launch cadence—and do so fast enough to make a difference.
The timing looks tight. Several factors could push the shares up or down: the pace of new launches, how well the hardware performs in orbit, and upcoming regulatory decisions on integrating satellite-to-phone service with current mobile networks.
AST’s regulatory chief, Jennifer A. Manner, delivered a stark fact on manufacturing in a letter submitted to a U.S. House committee record last December, stating: “We are now manufacturing six satellites a month.” 2
A trade publication reported Tuesday that AST is churning out roughly six satellites each month at its Midland, Texas plant and is “a few weeks away” from sending its seventh satellite, BlueBird FM2, into orbit aboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. The report added that AST aims to have 45 to 60 satellites in space by year-end and has informed U.S. regulators about plans for more launches this quarter. 3
AST’s recent surge partly stems from a move into defense. Last week, the company secured a prime contract spot on the Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD program. This IDIQ contract creates a vendor pool for future task orders but doesn’t guarantee immediate revenue. Chris Ivory, chief commercial officer, called the win “a major validation of our unique, on-orbit, dual-use technology.” 4
Sentiment in the wider satellite sector has been volatile. On Tuesday, Morgan Stanley downgraded Iridium and lowered its price target, highlighting how fast investor attention can shift among space and communications stocks when growth stories meet valuation concerns. 5
The risk scenario is clear-cut: delays, launch glitches, or stricter regulatory hurdles could stretch timelines. And when a stock’s already priced for fast progress, any slip-up hits hard. Competition adds pressure too, as bigger players target nearby satellite-to-device sectors, battling over spectrum and operating regulations.
Investors are eyeing a closer date on the calendar. Although AST hasn’t announced when it will release its next earnings, MarketBeat projects the report will drop after market close on March 2, 2026. 6
Traders are eyeing a clearer date for the next BlueBird launch. Next Spaceflight currently schedules BlueBird Block 2 FM2 for no sooner than Q1 2026. 7
