AST SpaceMobile Secures Approval for Satellite Network in Brazil
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 18 2026
0mins
Source: stocktwits
AST SpaceMobile Inc. saw its stock rise by 4.94% in pre-market trading, reaching a 20-day high.
The company received approval from Brazil's telecom authority ANATEL to operate a 248-satellite non-geostationary network, a significant regulatory breakthrough expected to drive future revenue growth. This approval, valid until September 2039, comes amid rising short interest in the stock, which increased to 16.6% of the float, reflecting market concerns about the company's performance. Despite this, retail sentiment on Stocktwits has shifted to 'bullish', indicating optimism about the Brazilian market's potential.
This approval positions AST SpaceMobile favorably in the Latin American market, enhancing its growth prospects and potentially attracting more investors as it expands its satellite network.
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Analyst Views on ASTS
Wall Street analysts forecast ASTS stock price to fall
8 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 133.090
Low
43.00
Averages
91.68
High
137.00
Current: 133.090
Low
43.00
Averages
91.68
High
137.00
About ASTS
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. is engaged in building a global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on its intellectual property (IP) and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. The Company is engaged in designing and developing the constellation of BlueBird (BB) satellites and has planned a space-based Cellular Broadband network distributed through a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Its SpaceMobile Service is being designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband services to end-users who are out of terrestrial cellular coverage using existing mobile devices. The Company intends to continue testing capabilities of the BW3 test satellite, including further testing with cellular service providers and the government. The Company has operations in India, Scotland, Spain, and Israel.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
AST SpaceMobile Faces Crisis with Launch Partner Blue Origin
- Launch Partner Crisis: AST SpaceMobile's launch partner Blue Origin experienced an explosion of its New Glenn rocket at Cape Canaveral, severely damaging the launch facility and causing AST's stock to drop 17.3%, indicating market concerns over its future launch plans.
- Historical Mishap: This marks the second incident related to Blue Origin for AST, as a previous rocket anomaly prevented a satellite from reaching orbit, raising doubts about AST's confidence in Blue Origin and potentially affecting future collaboration decisions.
- Diversified Launch Strategy: Despite the crisis with Blue Origin, AST has mitigated risk by partnering with multiple launch providers, with its next planned launch of three BlueBird satellites scheduled on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, ensuring that its launch plans remain unaffected.
- Uncertain Commercial Prospects: Although AST aims to increase its satellite count to 45 by year-end to initiate commercial direct-to-cell satellite services, the lack of support from Blue Origin may complicate this goal, highlighting the high-risk nature of investing in start-ups.
See More
Blue Origin Rocket Explosion Triggers Decline in Space Stocks
- Launch Schedule Risks Heightened: Following the Blue Origin rocket explosion, AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) shares fell 5% in premarket trading, with analyst Tim Farrar warning that only 3-5 Falcon 9 launches are realistic this year, potentially delaying ASTS's satellite coverage network deployment to 2028, which could negatively impact future revenues.
- Blue Origin Issues Escalate: Blue Origin confirmed an 'anomaly' during a hotfire test of its New Glenn rocket, marking the second major setback in less than two months; while all personnel are safe, this incident has heightened investor concerns regarding launch execution risks, affecting valuations across the space sector.
- Market Sentiment Shift: As ASTS shares declined, other space stocks like RKLB, LUNR, RDW, and RKTO also faced sell-offs, prompting investors to reassess launch risks and lunar program timelines, reflecting broader uncertainty about the future of the space industry.
- Retail Investor Sentiment: Despite the overall market sentiment turning cautious, retail sentiment for ASTS, LUNR, and RDW on Stocktwits remains 'extremely bullish', while RKLB holds a 'neutral' stance, indicating ongoing investor interest and expectations for future potential in the space sector.
See More
Space Economy Could Reach $2 Trillion by 2040
- Space Economy Growth Potential: According to PwC, the space economy could reach $2 trillion by 2040, which will drive investments and innovations in related companies, particularly in aerospace technology and infrastructure.
- AST SpaceMobile Plans: AST SpaceMobile aims to deploy 45 to 60 satellites by 2026 to provide comprehensive mobile services, including calls, texts, and data streaming; despite launch delays, the company remains optimistic about achieving its goals, enhancing its market competitiveness.
- Intuitive Machines' Success: Intuitive Machines achieved the first U.S. lunar landing since 1972 and secured $429 million in new contracts, showcasing its strength as a vertically integrated space contractor for the U.S. government, which is expected to drive revenue growth.
- Revenue and Backlog: Intuitive Machines reported first-quarter revenue of $186.7 million, tripling year-over-year, with a backlog exceeding $1.1 billion, and anticipates converting 60% of this backlog into revenue this year, indicating strong market demand and growth potential.
See More
SpaceX IPO Sparks Anticipation for Space Economy Growth
- Space Economy Outlook: SpaceX's IPO on June 12 is anticipated to be the largest ever, with PwC projecting the space economy could reach $2 trillion by 2040, indicating strong governmental support for space exploration will drive rapid industry growth.
- AST SpaceMobile Developments: AST SpaceMobile aims to launch 45 to 60 satellites by 2026 to provide global mobile service; despite setbacks from Blue Origin's failed launch, contracts with multiple partners, including SpaceX, will help achieve its goals and enhance market competitiveness.
- Intuitive Machines Achievements: Intuitive Machines made headlines with the first U.S. lunar landing since Apollo 17, securing $429 million in new government contracts, showcasing its strength as a vertically integrated space contractor for the U.S. government, which is expected to drive future revenue growth.
- Revenue Growth Potential: Intuitive Machines reported first-quarter revenue of $186.7 million, tripling year-over-year, with a backlog exceeding $1.1 billion, and expects 60% of this backlog to convert to revenue this year, highlighting its strong growth potential in the space infrastructure sector.
See More
U.S. Stocks Hit Record Highs, Dell Shares Surge 33%
- Strong U.S. Market Performance: The S&P 500 rose by 0.2%, the Dow Jones increased by 0.7%, and the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.4%, all reaching record highs, reflecting investor optimism due to easing U.S.-Iran tensions, which has bolstered market confidence.
- Dell's Stock Surge: Dell's shares jumped 33% on Friday, marking its best single-day performance ever, indicating strong market expectations for its role in the artificial intelligence sector, thereby solidifying its leadership position among tech stocks.
- Impressive ETF Performance: The SPDR S&P 500 ETF and Invesco QQQ Trust rose by 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively, both hitting record highs by the weekend, showcasing sustained investor enthusiasm for tech stocks, particularly driven by advancements in AI technology.
- Optimistic Market Sentiment: Retail sentiment for SPY, QQQ, and DIA on Stocktwits is in the “extremely bullish” territory, indicating a significant increase in investor confidence regarding future market trends, which could further propel stock market gains.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Shares Drop 14.79% Amid Launch Concerns
- Significant Stock Decline: AST SpaceMobile's shares closed at $113.41 on Friday, down 14.79%, primarily due to the explosion of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket and a downgrade from Deutsche Bank, indicating heightened market concerns over the company's execution risks.
- Surge in Trading Volume: The trading volume reached 54.8 million shares, which is 159% above the three-month average, reflecting intense investor interest and significant volatility in market sentiment regarding the company's future.
- Launch Plan Risks: AST SpaceMobile aims to launch approximately 45 satellites this year; however, delays from Blue Origin could jeopardize the deployment of its BlueBird constellation, adding uncertainty to the company's growth trajectory and investor confidence.
- Impact of Downgrade: Deutsche Bank cut AST SpaceMobile's price target to $106, amplifying investor concerns, and as a speculative space venture, the company is expected to experience increased market volatility moving forward.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Faces Crisis with Launch Partner Blue Origin
- Launch Partner Crisis: AST SpaceMobile's launch partner Blue Origin experienced an explosion of its New Glenn rocket at Cape Canaveral, severely damaging the launch facility and causing AST's stock to drop 17.3%, indicating market concerns over its future launch plans.
- Historical Mishap: This marks the second incident related to Blue Origin for AST, as a previous rocket anomaly prevented a satellite from reaching orbit, raising doubts about AST's confidence in Blue Origin and potentially affecting future collaboration decisions.
- Diversified Launch Strategy: Despite the crisis with Blue Origin, AST has mitigated risk by partnering with multiple launch providers, with its next planned launch of three BlueBird satellites scheduled on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, ensuring that its launch plans remain unaffected.
- Uncertain Commercial Prospects: Although AST aims to increase its satellite count to 45 by year-end to initiate commercial direct-to-cell satellite services, the lack of support from Blue Origin may complicate this goal, highlighting the high-risk nature of investing in start-ups.
See More
Blue Origin Rocket Explosion Triggers Decline in Space Stocks
- Launch Schedule Risks Heightened: Following the Blue Origin rocket explosion, AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) shares fell 5% in premarket trading, with analyst Tim Farrar warning that only 3-5 Falcon 9 launches are realistic this year, potentially delaying ASTS's satellite coverage network deployment to 2028, which could negatively impact future revenues.
- Blue Origin Issues Escalate: Blue Origin confirmed an 'anomaly' during a hotfire test of its New Glenn rocket, marking the second major setback in less than two months; while all personnel are safe, this incident has heightened investor concerns regarding launch execution risks, affecting valuations across the space sector.
- Market Sentiment Shift: As ASTS shares declined, other space stocks like RKLB, LUNR, RDW, and RKTO also faced sell-offs, prompting investors to reassess launch risks and lunar program timelines, reflecting broader uncertainty about the future of the space industry.
- Retail Investor Sentiment: Despite the overall market sentiment turning cautious, retail sentiment for ASTS, LUNR, and RDW on Stocktwits remains 'extremely bullish', while RKLB holds a 'neutral' stance, indicating ongoing investor interest and expectations for future potential in the space sector.
See More
Space Economy Could Reach $2 Trillion by 2040
- Space Economy Growth Potential: According to PwC, the space economy could reach $2 trillion by 2040, which will drive investments and innovations in related companies, particularly in aerospace technology and infrastructure.
- AST SpaceMobile Plans: AST SpaceMobile aims to deploy 45 to 60 satellites by 2026 to provide comprehensive mobile services, including calls, texts, and data streaming; despite launch delays, the company remains optimistic about achieving its goals, enhancing its market competitiveness.
- Intuitive Machines' Success: Intuitive Machines achieved the first U.S. lunar landing since 1972 and secured $429 million in new contracts, showcasing its strength as a vertically integrated space contractor for the U.S. government, which is expected to drive revenue growth.
- Revenue and Backlog: Intuitive Machines reported first-quarter revenue of $186.7 million, tripling year-over-year, with a backlog exceeding $1.1 billion, and anticipates converting 60% of this backlog into revenue this year, indicating strong market demand and growth potential.
See More
SpaceX IPO Sparks Anticipation for Space Economy Growth
- Space Economy Outlook: SpaceX's IPO on June 12 is anticipated to be the largest ever, with PwC projecting the space economy could reach $2 trillion by 2040, indicating strong governmental support for space exploration will drive rapid industry growth.
- AST SpaceMobile Developments: AST SpaceMobile aims to launch 45 to 60 satellites by 2026 to provide global mobile service; despite setbacks from Blue Origin's failed launch, contracts with multiple partners, including SpaceX, will help achieve its goals and enhance market competitiveness.
- Intuitive Machines Achievements: Intuitive Machines made headlines with the first U.S. lunar landing since Apollo 17, securing $429 million in new government contracts, showcasing its strength as a vertically integrated space contractor for the U.S. government, which is expected to drive future revenue growth.
- Revenue Growth Potential: Intuitive Machines reported first-quarter revenue of $186.7 million, tripling year-over-year, with a backlog exceeding $1.1 billion, and expects 60% of this backlog to convert to revenue this year, highlighting its strong growth potential in the space infrastructure sector.
See More
U.S. Stocks Hit Record Highs, Dell Shares Surge 33%
- Strong U.S. Market Performance: The S&P 500 rose by 0.2%, the Dow Jones increased by 0.7%, and the Nasdaq 100 gained 0.4%, all reaching record highs, reflecting investor optimism due to easing U.S.-Iran tensions, which has bolstered market confidence.
- Dell's Stock Surge: Dell's shares jumped 33% on Friday, marking its best single-day performance ever, indicating strong market expectations for its role in the artificial intelligence sector, thereby solidifying its leadership position among tech stocks.
- Impressive ETF Performance: The SPDR S&P 500 ETF and Invesco QQQ Trust rose by 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively, both hitting record highs by the weekend, showcasing sustained investor enthusiasm for tech stocks, particularly driven by advancements in AI technology.
- Optimistic Market Sentiment: Retail sentiment for SPY, QQQ, and DIA on Stocktwits is in the “extremely bullish” territory, indicating a significant increase in investor confidence regarding future market trends, which could further propel stock market gains.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Shares Drop 14.79% Amid Launch Concerns
- Significant Stock Decline: AST SpaceMobile's shares closed at $113.41 on Friday, down 14.79%, primarily due to the explosion of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket and a downgrade from Deutsche Bank, indicating heightened market concerns over the company's execution risks.
- Surge in Trading Volume: The trading volume reached 54.8 million shares, which is 159% above the three-month average, reflecting intense investor interest and significant volatility in market sentiment regarding the company's future.
- Launch Plan Risks: AST SpaceMobile aims to launch approximately 45 satellites this year; however, delays from Blue Origin could jeopardize the deployment of its BlueBird constellation, adding uncertainty to the company's growth trajectory and investor confidence.
- Impact of Downgrade: Deutsche Bank cut AST SpaceMobile's price target to $106, amplifying investor concerns, and as a speculative space venture, the company is expected to experience increased market volatility moving forward.
See More
