New York, January 21, 2026, 17:35 EST — After-hours
AST SpaceMobile Inc (ASTS.O) shares dropped 7.9% to $103.50 in after-hours on Wednesday, following Blue Origin’s reveal of a massive satellite communications network named TeraWave. The stock traded within a wide range, hitting a low of $96.96 and a high of $120.63 during the session.
This is key now since AST has turned into a go-to for “direct-to-device” satellite service—connecting regular smartphones straight to satellites without needing extra gear. Upcoming constellations, even those years off, could reshape investor views on pricing power and who actually controls the network.
AST remains in build-out mode. The stock tends to react to launch schedules, spectrum moves, and funding news well before any clear revenue figures emerge.
Blue Origin revealed that TeraWave plans to deploy 5,408 optically interconnected satellites spanning low and medium Earth orbit, targeting symmetrical data speeds up to 6 terabits per second. The rollout is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027, with the network aimed at serving data centers, governments, and businesses.
The move would bring another Bezos-backed player into the satellite constellation space, which is largely led by SpaceX’s Starlink. Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp told X, “What makes TeraWave different? It is purpose-built for enterprise customers,” Reuters reported. Reuters
AST, headquartered in Midland, Texas, is rolling out its next-gen “BlueBird” satellites to provide 4G and 5G broadband straight to regular smartphones globally. The firm confirmed that BlueBird 6 took off from India on Dec. 23, with additional launches planned throughout 2025 and 2026. AST SpaceMobile
Founder and CEO Abel Avellan described BlueBird 6 as “a breakthrough moment” in a statement dated Dec. 24, positioning the project as a key step toward large-scale deployment. AST remains on track to launch between 45 and 60 satellites by the end of 2026, with launches scheduled roughly every one to two months. Business Wire
Bank of America took a more measured stance Wednesday, noting that TeraWave “adds to the long list of planned satellite constellations” but doesn’t directly challenge AST’s direct-to-device segment, which it sees as heavily reliant on mobile network operator partnerships. The firm maintained its Neutral rating and kept the price target at $100. TipRanks
The downside remains straightforward: satellites must successfully reach orbit, deploy, and operate as planned, while regulators hold the reins on crucial spectrum and licensing approvals. Legal troubles are mounting too — Pomerantz LLP announced it’s investigating possible claims for AST SpaceMobile investors.
Investors are gearing up for AST’s upcoming quarterly report, eager for details on production speed, launch dates, and funding requirements. According to MarketBeat, the company is expected to release earnings on March 2, after markets close, following its usual schedule.
