AST SpaceMobile Targets 60-Satellite Constellation After BlueBird 6 Launch, Shares Fall 24%
AST SpaceMobile launched BlueBird 6 in December 2025 with a 2,400 sq ft antenna and 120 Mbps peak speeds, targeting a 45–60 satellite constellation by end-2026. Shares closed at $79.19 on February 27 following a 24.3% decline, while hedge fund holdings rose to 33 and market cap reached $30.1 billion.
1. BlueBird 6 Launch and Constellation Plans
In late December 2025, AST SpaceMobile launched its next-generation BlueBird 6 satellite from India, successfully deploying a 2,400 sq ft antenna—the largest commercial communications array in low-Earth orbit—with 100–120 kW power output and peak data speeds of 120 Mbps. The company plans to scale its constellation to 45–60 satellites by the end of 2026 to expand coverage and unlock new revenue streams.
2. Stock Performance and Institutional Interest
Shares closed at $79.19 on February 27 after a 24.3% one-month drop, though they remain up 209% over the past 52 weeks, reflecting high volatility. AST’s market capitalization stands at $30.1 billion and hedge fund ownership climbed to 33 portfolios from 25 in the prior quarter.
3. Q4 Earnings Consensus
Analyst consensus ahead of the Q4 earnings release calls for $40.7 million in revenue, a 2,020% increase year-over-year, and a per-share loss of $0.18, representing a 50% wider loss versus last year, as the company shifts focus from R&D validation to commercial execution.
4. Vodafone Satellite Partnership
Vodafone plans to offer direct-to-smartphone satellite connectivity in Europe and Africa using AST SpaceMobile’s network, but no service launch date has been announced. This partnership aims to extend 4G and 5G coverage to remote areas without installing new fiber infrastructure.