Shares of AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) surged 12 percent Monday as the company announced new performance metrics for its satellite technology ahead of its first-quarter earnings report.
Executing on its 2026 launch plans is crucial for the company, according to Deutsche Bank analyst Edison Yu, who said in a note that the stock’s performance will be based on whether the company can stick to its plans. “Failure to accelerate the launch cadence during 2026 will sow doubt in the minds of investors,” Yu wrote.
The satellite company announced its Block 1 BlueBird satellites are capable of providing a peak download speed of 98.9 megabits per second. For its upcoming first-quarter results, analysts expect revenue of $39 million and a loss of 24 cents per share, according to FactSet data. This compares to less than $1 million in sales and a 20-cent loss per share in the same quarter a year ago.
The pre-earnings rally builds on a volatile year that has seen the stock more than triple in the last 12 months, despite the company not yet being profitable. AST SpaceMobile aims to launch the first space-based cellular broadband network and plans to begin commercial services in the second half of 2026, which requires a constellation of 45 to 60 satellites to ensure continuous coverage.
For the full year, AST SpaceMobile has guided for revenue between $150 million and $200 million, a significant increase from the $71 million reported in 2025. The company’s current revenue is primarily driven by work with the U.S. government and deliveries of gateway ground stations.
The push toward commercialization puts AST SpaceMobile in competition with established and developing players in the satellite internet market. SpaceX’s Starlink already has more than 10,000 satellites in orbit, while Amazon is developing its Leo business and recently announced a deal to acquire Globalstar, which would add satellites and spectrum licenses to its portfolio.
The company’s ability to meet its launch and commercialization timelines is the key focus for investors. The upcoming Q1 2026 earnings report will be the next major event for shareholders to assess progress toward its goals.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
