New York, January 26, 2026, 14:50 (EST) — Regular session
AST SpaceMobile shares dipped 5.5% to $107.27 in afternoon trading Monday, hitting a low of 8.6% earlier. The stock fluctuated between $103.79 and $112.97, with roughly 8.9 million shares traded.
The pullback spotlights a stock that’s been making sizable moves as investors weigh execution risk alongside ambition. Timing plays a crucial role in this trade.
AST is developing what the industry refers to as direct-to-device technology — linking regular mobile phones directly to satellites without needing a specialized handset. This system depends on a constellation, a network of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) that hand off coverage as they orbit the Earth.
The company expects BlueBird 7, its second next-gen satellite, to reach orbit in about a month, following BlueBird 6’s launch late last year. AST said the satellite’s communications array spans roughly 2,400 square feet and can deliver peak data rates up to 120 megabits per second. “This launch advances our mission to bring space-based cellular broadband connectivity to everyday smartphones,” President Scott Wisniewski said. The company plans to launch satellites every one to two months in 2026 and remains on track to deploy 45-60 satellites by year-end, collaborating with partners like Vodafone, AT&T, and Verizon. 1
AST’s upcoming boost hinges on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. The company plans to reuse a booster for the first time on its next New Glenn flight, which will launch AST’s BlueBird satellite into orbit. 2
Competition is also in the mix. Bank of America analysts noted that the proposed Blue Origin/TeraWave constellation “is not a direct competitive threat” to AST’s direct-to-device strategy, which depends on partnerships with mobile operators. According to the bank, “TeraWave, as planned, would be a more direct competitor to enterprise grade telecommunications providers,” an industry report said. 3
The risk scenario is straightforward. Launch windows shift, rocket schedules shuffle, and just one technical glitch can derail a deployment plan.
The scale issue remains: a single satellite won’t build a network. Investors need consistent manufacturing, regular launches, and proven on-orbit results before taking 2026 targets seriously beyond just another slide figure.
Direct-to-device is becoming a jam-packed field, as multiple satellite and telecom companies compete to deliver on the “no dead zones” pledge. The winners will be those who can offer superior coverage, higher capacity, and convert trials into loyal customers through compelling deals.
The next major event to watch is the BlueBird 7 launch window, set for late February on Blue Origin’s New Glenn-3 mission from Cape Canaveral. The company has noted, however, that the timing remains subject to change depending on launch readiness and weather conditions. 4
