US Market News
2 weeks ago
The SpaceX IPO Put a Spotlight on Starlink -- and on the One Public Company Building a Rival Direct-to-Phone NetworkJune 27, 2026 8:08 AM
PR Newswire (US) Editorial Commentary — Commercial Space SeriesSpaceX's public listing cast Starlink Mobile as a future wireless challenger. AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) is the most prominent publicly traded company pursuing the same direct-to-device satellite-broadband market.Key TakeawaysThe SpaceX IPO prospectus framed Starlink Mobile as a direct-to-smartphone service intended to compete with terrestrial mobile networks — spotlighting a market that public investors cannot access through SpaceX alone.AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) is the most prominent listed company building a direct-to-device satellite-broadband network, connecting ordinary, unmodified smartphones from space.AST has reported securing over US$1.2 billion in aggregate contracted revenue commitments from partners, and is targeting 45 to 60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026.Other listed satellite-connectivity names include Globalstar (NASDAQ: GSAT) and Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) — each distinct, and neither a proxy for the other.The IPO That Made Satellite-to-Phone a HeadlineVANCOUVER, BC, June 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity Insider Market Commentary, When Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) filed to go public on the Nasdaq under the proposed ticker SPCX, the prospectus did more than reveal the financials of the world's most valuable private company. It laid out, in detail, how SpaceX intends to turn its Starlink constellation into a wireless competitor — casting Starlink Mobile as a direct-to-smartphone service designed to perform "on par with terrestrial mobile networks," with next-generation satellites slated to expand the offering beyond messaging toward full broadband and IoT connectivity. Get our free Orbital Economy Signal Brief for plain-English intelligence on the commercial-space sector, delivered as it moves. That framing turned a once-niche idea — connecting an ordinary phone directly to a satellite, with no special hardware — into a front-page investment theme. But there is a catch for public investors: SpaceX's satellite-to-phone business is bundled inside an enormous company spanning launch, Starlink broadband, and an artificial-intelligence unit. For those seeking a focused, public-market way to play the direct-to-device race specifically, the most prominent name is not SpaceX at all. It is AST SpaceMobile.AST SpaceMobile: The Public Pure-Play on Phones-From-SpaceAST SpaceMobile (Nasdaq: ASTS), based in Midland, Texas, is building what it calls a space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect everyday, unmodified smartphones directly to its satellites — aiming to eliminate mobile "dead zones" worldwide. Where Starlink began as a fixed-broadband service using dedicated terminals, AST's entire thesis is the direct-to-device market that SpaceX's IPO filing has now thrust into the spotlight. That makes the two natural — if vastly differently sized — competitors in the same emerging category.The company has been building both its constellation and its commercial foundation. AST reported full-year 2025 revenue of about US$70.9 million, driven by mobile-network-operator partners and the U.S. government, and said it had secured over US$1.2 billion in aggregate contracted revenue commitments from partners — a figure that speaks to the scale of carrier interest. It has also reported completing the in-orbit unfolding of BlueBird 6, which it described as the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in low Earth orbit, and has laid out a launch cadence intended to reach 45 to 60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026.The risk profile is equally clear, and worth stating plainly: AST is a capital-intensive, still-largely-pre-revenue business whose value depends on executing a demanding manufacturing-and-launch campaign on schedule. A successful deployment validates the model; a stumble in cadence or array deployment would do the opposite. This is a build-it-first business, and the build is far from finished.How AST and SpaceX Actually DifferIt would be a mistake to treat AST as a miniature Starlink. The two take different technical and commercial approaches: AST partners with terrestrial mobile-network operators to extend their existing networks from space, positioning itself as a complement that carriers integrate, rather than a stand-alone consumer ISP. SpaceX, by contrast, has the advantage of owning its own launch vehicles — it flies Starlink satellites on its own Falcon 9 and Starship rockets — plus enormous scale and a head start in subscribers. AST's counter is focus and carrier alignment: it is building specifically for the direct-to-device use case in partnership with the incumbents whose customers it would serve. Which model wins, or whether both coexist, is exactly the open question the SpaceX IPO has made unavoidable. Tracking how this sector is being repriced in real time? Join the free Orbital Economy Signal Brief to follow the shifts as they happen.The Wider Satellite-Connectivity FieldBeyond AST, a couple of listed satellite-connectivity companies help frame the landscape — each with a distinct model and risk profile, and neither a proxy for the other. Globalstar (Nasdaq: GSAT) provides mobile satellite services and wholesale capacity, reporting first-quarter 2026 revenue of about US$70.1 million, up 17% year-over-year, and has been a long-running infrastructure partner in the satellite-to-phone space. Viasat (Nasdaq: VSAT) anchors the broadband-and-connectivity end as a diversified satellite-communications operator serving aviation, government, and consumer markets. Together with AST, these names show that "satellite connectivity" spans several business models — wholesale capacity and diversified broadband — all being re-rated as the direct-to-device opportunity SpaceX highlighted draws fresh capital and attention. Each, however, will live or die on its own constellation, balance sheet, and execution.A Note on the Broader Space TradeOne smaller name investors scanning the sector may note is Starfighters Space, Inc. (NYSE American: FJET), mentioned here for context only and not as a recommendation. The company has publicly described operating what it calls the world's only commercial fleet of flight-ready Mach 2+ supersonic F-104 aircraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and in May 2026 it announced a US$17.5 million strategic equity investment led by institutional investors, with proceeds earmarked to support operational expansion and continued advancement of its STARLAUNCH platform. These are the company's own announced figures; readers should verify them in its filings.The Bottom LineThe SpaceX IPO did more than reveal Starlink's economics — it confirmed that connecting ordinary phones directly to satellites is a market the most sophisticated player in space intends to pursue aggressively. For public investors, that validation lands not on SpaceX's sprawling franchise but on the focused names building in the same direction. AST SpaceMobile is the most prominent of them, with carrier commitments and an ambitious deployment plan — and the considerable execution risk that comes with building a constellation from scratch. The question the IPO sharpened is no longer whether satellite-to-phone is real, but who builds the winning network. The answer will come from orbit, on a schedule, over the next several years. To keep a closer eye on the launch, satellite, lunar, and space-data economy as it develops, sign up for the free Orbital Economy Signal Brief.SIGNAL OVER NOISESignal over noise. Space, satellite-connectivity, and telecom headlines move fast — and the crowd often moves first. Eagle Eye is a real-time investor signal-intelligence platform that surfaces sentiment shifts, news flow, and trending tickers as they happen, so you see the move forming instead of reading about it later. See it at eagle-eye.dev.CONTACTEquity Insider
info@equity-insider.comSOURCES[1] Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), Form S-1 registration statement and Starlink Mobile disclosures (proposed Nasdaq symbol SPCX), May–June 2026, sec.gov; contemporaneous news reporting.
[2] AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (Nasdaq: ASTS), Q4 and full-year 2025 results and business update, March 2, 2026.
[3] Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: GSAT), Q1 2026 financial results, May 7, 2026.
[4] Viasat, Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT), corporate disclosures, 2026.
[5] Starfighters Space, Inc. (NYSE American: FJET), company press releases ($17.5 million strategic investment; STARLAUNCH; Kennedy Space Center operations), 2026.DISCLAIMERIMPORTANT — PLEASE READ: This article is editorial commentary and was NOT paid for, requested, commissioned, reviewed, or approved by any of the companies named in it, nor by Creative Direct Marketing Group ("CDMG"). No company mentioned in this article paid for or had any involvement in its preparation or publication. The disclosures that follow are provided in the interest of full transparency regarding our broader business relationships, even though they do not apply to this specific article.Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This publication is neither an offer nor a recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. Equity Insider is owned and operated by Market IQ Media Group Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland ("MIQL"). As part of its ongoing business, MIQL has been paid fees by CDMG for advertising and digital media for Starfighters Space, Inc. (NYSE American: FJET) in connection with separate, paid campaigns; those paid materials are distinct from this article, which is unpaid editorial. This relationship constitutes a potential conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our commentary regarding Starfighters Space, Inc., and readers are strongly encouraged not to use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. MIQL and its owner/operators do not own shares of Starfighters Space, Inc. or of any other company named in this article in connection with this piece, but reserve the right to buy and sell securities of any company mentioned at any time without further notice. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our publication is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This publication contains forward-looking statements concerning the companies referenced and the commercial-space sector, including statements regarding the proposed initial public offering of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. ("SpaceX") and its reported terms, which are based on third-party reporting and SpaceX's own filings and remain subject to change until and unless finalized; product development, launch and mission timelines; contract awards and backlog; and broader market conditions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks and uncertainties — including execution, regulatory, financing, competitive and macroeconomic risks — that could cause actual results to differ materially, as detailed in each referenced company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. References to SpaceX are for thematic and contextual purposes only; SpaceX is a separate company with no affiliation to the publisher, and nothing herein is an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, securities of SpaceX or any other company. Figures attributed to named companies are drawn from those companies' public disclosures. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made; the publisher undertakes no obligation to update or revise them except as required by applicable law. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-spacex-ipo-put-a-spotlight-on-starlink--and-on-the-one-public-company-building-a-rival-direct-to-phone-network-302812572.html Original: The SpaceX IPO Put a Spotlight on Starlink -- and on the One Public Company Building a Rival Direct-to-Phone Network
US Market News
2 weeks ago
A Former NASA Deputy Administrator Just Joined the Company Flying the World's Only Mach 2+ Commercial Jet FleetJune 26, 2026 9:30 AM
PR Newswire (US) Issued on behalf of Starfighters Space, Inc.Starfighters Space, Inc. (NYSE: FJET) has launched a Strategic Advisory Board and named retired astronaut and former NASA Deputy Administrator Frederick D. Gregory as its inaugural member, a credibility signal as the company scales hypersonic flight testing and air-launch operations.CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., June 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- USA News Group News Commentary - When a small, fast-moving company lands an advisor of genuine national stature, it is worth paying attention to. On its latest announcement, Starfighters Space, Inc. (NYSE: FJET), the company operating the world's only commercial fleet of flight-ready Mach 2+ supersonic aircraft, did exactly that, forming a new Strategic Advisory Board and naming retired astronaut and former NASA Deputy Administrator Frederick D. Gregory as its inaugural member. Key TakeawaysStarfighters Space (NYSE: FJET) formed a Strategic Advisory Board and appointed Frederick D. Gregory, retired astronaut and former NASA Deputy Administrator, as its inaugural member.Gregory brings a rare résumé: three Space Shuttle missions (455+ hours in space), former NASA Acting Administrator, former head of NASA Safety & Mission Assurance, and direct experience with the F-104 Starfighter, the very aircraft Starfighters flies.Starfighters operates the world's only commercial fleet of flight-ready Mach 2+ supersonic aircraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, and is advancing STARLAUNCH, its responsive air-launch platform.The move lands amid a defense and space-testing spending surge; FJET sits in the broader trade alongside Karman Holdings (NYSE: KRMN), AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS), BlackSky (NYSE: BKSY), and Boeing (NYSE: BA).A Heavyweight Joins the Cockpit-SideThe board was created to give Starfighters streamlined access to experienced space, defense, government, and technical leaders, offering subject-matter expertise and mentorship as the company expands its high-speed space-testing services, live atmospheric flight activities, and future air-launch initiatives. Gregory is the first name on it, and a marquee one.Why Gregory MattersColonel Gregory's career spans nearly every layer of American spaceflight. Selected as a NASA astronaut in 1978, he logged more than 455 hours in space across three Space Shuttle missions, serving as Spacecraft Commander on Discovery (STS-33) and Atlantis (STS-44). He went on to senior NASA leadership, ultimately serving as the agency's Deputy Administrator and Acting Administrator, and earlier as Associate Administrator for Safety and Mission Assurance, the role responsible for the safety culture underpinning the nation's most critical space programs.For Starfighters, the fit is unusually precise. As a decorated U.S. Air Force test pilot, Gregory has direct operational experience with the F-104 Starfighter, the exact platform the company flies. An advisor who has both run NASA's safety apparatus and personally flown the aircraft at the center of the business is a rare combination, and it speaks directly to the discipline required in high-velocity flight testing."Fred has the perfect background to help Starfighters Space grow," said Tim Franta, Chief Executive Officer of Starfighters Space. "His unique experience as a pilot, astronaut, former Deputy Administrator of NASA, and especially as the former head of Safety and Mission Assurance at NASA provides a strategic perspective that very few individuals in the world can offer. Just as importantly, Fred deeply understands the F-104 platform and the rigorous culture of high-velocity flight testing."Franta added that Gregory's focus on safety culture is exactly what the company values most: "I couldn't be happier or in better hands than with Fred Gregory reviewing our safety and mission assurance practices and procedures. I truly appreciate his commitment to keeping us focused on what is most important."Gregory framed the opportunity in mission terms: "Starfighters Space possesses unique capabilities that can support a wide range of commercial, research, government, and national security missions. I am honored to join the Strategic Advisory Board and look forward to helping the Company continue expanding its role in space testing, space research, and future space-access opportunities."The Business Behind the HeadlineOperating from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Starfighters maintains the world's only commercial fleet of flight-ready F-104 supersonic aircraft capable of sustained Mach 2+ operations. That fleet is the foundation for a business focused on high-speed flight operations, hypersonic testing, space research, and air-launch. Its centerpiece development program, STARLAUNCH, is a responsive airborne launch platform designed to support commercial, government, research, and national-security missions, with capabilities spanning payload deployment, airborne space testing, microgravity and high-speed flight environments, and reusable airborne launch infrastructure.The timing is notable. Defense and space-testing budgets are climbing, with the House Armed Services Committee signaling a roughly trillion-dollar baseline defense budget as a permanent planning floor and the Pentagon investing to expand hypersonic flight-test throughput, an area where capacity has become a binding constraint across the industry. A company that can put experimental payloads into high-speed flight environments quickly and repeatedly is positioned squarely in that demand. Adding an advisor of Gregory's stature is the kind of credibility marker that can matter when the customers are government agencies and defense programs.The Broader Space & Hypersonic TradeStarfighters is a small, specialized entrant in a sector drawing heavy institutional capital. Four names help frame the landscape, though each carries its own risk profile and none is a proxy for FJET. Karman Holdings (NYSE: KRMN) is the closest thematic fit: it designs payload-protection, propulsion, and interstage systems for missile-defense, hypersonics, and space-launch programs, and posted record fiscal 2025 revenue of about US$471.5 million, up roughly 37%, while raising 2026 guidance to the US$720–735 million range, a direct read on how fast hypersonic-related demand is growing. AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) represents the well-capitalized new-space cohort: a direct-to-device satellite-broadband builder with roughly US$3.5 billion in cash and 2026 revenue guidance of US$150–200 million, it shows the scale of capital flowing into public space names.BlackSky Technology (NYSE: BKSY) anchors the defense-intelligence angle, providing real-time satellite imagery and analytics to government and intelligence customers, it recently won a multi-year, sole-source US$99 million U.S. government contract, underscoring the national-security spending FJET also targets. And Boeing (NYSE: BA) anchors the large-cap end as a diversified aerospace-and-defense incumbent with deep space and flight-test heritage, offering the steadier, established route into the same broad theme. Together they illustrate a sector being re-rated by defense priorities and commercial-space momentum, the current Starfighters is trying to ride with a genuinely differentiated asset.The Bottom LineAn advisory-board appointment is not a contract or a revenue event, and Starfighters remains an early-stage company executing an ambitious plan. But credibility compounds: when a former NASA Deputy Administrator who has personally flown your aircraft signs on to guide your safety and operations strategy, it sends a signal to the government and defense customers that matter most. The next markers to watch are how the advisory board fills out, progress on STARLAUNCH, and any movement from flight-test capability toward funded missions.SIGNAL OVER NOISESignal over noise. Space, defense, and hypersonic-testing headlines move fast, and the crowd often moves first. Eagle Eye is a real-time investor signal-intelligence platform that surfaces sentiment shifts, news flow, and trending tickers as they happen, so you see the move forming instead of reading about it later. See it at eagle-eye.dev.CONTACT
USA News Group
info@usanewsgroup.comSOURCESStarfighters Space, Inc., "Starfighters Space (NYSE: FJET) Forms Strategic Advisory Board and Appoints Former NASA Deputy Administrator Fred Gregory as Inaugural Member," June 2026.Karman Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KRMN), full-year 2025 results and 2026 guidance, 2026.AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), Q1 2026 results and business update, May 11, 2026.BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY), 2025 results and U.S. government IDIQ award disclosures, 2026.The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA), corporate and defense/space program disclosures, 2026.DISCLAIMERNothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a digital media distribution and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. This article is being distributed by USA News Group on behalf of Market IQ Media Group Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland ("MIQL"). MIQL has been paid a fee for Starfighters Space, Inc. advertising and digital media from Creative Direct Marketing Group ("CDMG"). There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Starfighters Space, Inc., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. MIQL and its owner/operators do not own any shares of Starfighters Space, Inc., but reserve the right to buy and sell shares of Starfighters Space, Inc. at any time without any further notice commencing immediately and ongoing. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material, including this article, which is disseminated by MIQL has been reviewed and approved on behalf of Starfighters Space, Inc. by CDMG. While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This publication contains forward-looking information subject to risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the contributions of the Strategic Advisory Board and its members; the advancement of the STARLAUNCH platform; infrastructure expansion; hypersonic and high-speed flight-testing capabilities; future launch and space-access operations; operational scaling; and broader space- and defense-market opportunities. Risks include regulatory and launch-licensing requirements; operational execution and development timelines; competitive market conditions; customer adoption and the conversion of capabilities into funded contracts; capital requirements; government-contracting risk; and macroeconomic and industry conditions, as well as other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made; the publisher undertakes no obligation to update or revise them except as required by applicable law.Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2838876/5656770/USA_News_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-former-nasa-deputy-administrator-just-joined-the-company-flying-the-worlds-only-mach-2-commercial-jet-fleet-302811814.html Original: A Former NASA Deputy Administrator Just Joined the Company Flying the World's Only Mach 2+ Commercial Jet Fleet
US Market News
2 weeks ago
AST SpaceMobile Announces BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 Orbital Launch in the First Half of AugustJune 23, 2026 9:45 AM
Business Wire BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 will launch into low Earth orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida The mission continues the momentum established by the successful June 2026 launch of BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10, which are already operating in orbit AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today announced that BlueBird satellites 11, 12, and 13 are targeted to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida in the first half of August. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260623653685/en/AST SpaceMobile Announces BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 Orbital Launch in the First Half of August The mission will carry the next batch of next-generation satellites to low Earth orbit, further expanding the company's space-based cellular broadband network designed to provide voice, data, video, directly to standard, unmodified smartphones everywhere. “With each successful launch, we move closer to our goal of making space-based cellular broadband accessible wherever people live, work, and travel," said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile. “BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 build on the momentum of our recent constellation and represent another important milestone as we prepare for commercial service. The progression from BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 to this next mission, together with the continued production and assembly of satellites through BlueBird 37, reflects the strength of our manufacturing capabilities and our ability to steadily expand the network while we work to connect the unconnected and under-connected around the world." BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 feature commercial communications arrays measuring approximately 2,400 square feet, matching the scale of the BlueBird satellites currently operating in orbit. These next-generation satellites are expected to deliver nearly double the peak data speeds of AST SpaceMobile's initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites, which recently achieved peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones. The satellites leverage AST SpaceMobile's next-generation stackable satellite architecture, including advanced composite carbon structures designed to support efficient multi-satellite launches and accelerated constellation deployment. Combined with the company's multi-provider launch strategy, the architecture is designed to provide flexibility in deploying AST SpaceMobile's global constellation. AST SpaceMobile has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators globally with over 3 billion subscribers combined and strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower. The exact timing of orbital launches is subject to change based on a number of factors, including launch readiness of the launch provider, weather conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control. About AST SpaceMobile AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to enable 4G and 5G space-based cellular broadband to every device, everywhere, for today’s nearly 6 billion mobile subscribers globally. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains “forward-looking statements” that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of AST SpaceMobile to differ materially from those expected and projected. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “continue,” or “should,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside AST SpaceMobile’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expectations regarding AST SpaceMobile’s strategies and future financial performance, including AST’s future business plans or objectives, expected functionality of the SpaceMobile Service, anticipated timing of the launch of the Block 2 BlueBird satellites, anticipated demand and acceptance of mobile satellite services, prospective performance and commercial opportunities and competitors, the timing of obtaining regulatory approvals, ability to finance its research and development activities, commercial partnership acquisition and retention, products and services, pricing, marketing plans, operating expenses, market trends, revenues, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and AST SpaceMobile’s ability to invest in growth initiatives; (ii) the negotiation of definitive agreements with mobile network operators relating to the SpaceMobile Service that would supersede preliminary agreements and memoranda of understanding and the ability to enter into commercial agreements with other parties or government entities; (iii) the ability of AST SpaceMobile to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees and AST SpaceMobile’s responses to actions of its competitors and its ability to effectively compete; (iv) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (v) the possibility that AST SpaceMobile may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against AST SpaceMobile; and (vii) other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including those in the Risk Factors section of AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2026, its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 filed with the SEC on May 11, 2026 and the future reports that it may file from time to time with the SEC. AST SpaceMobile cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. AST SpaceMobile cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors in AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2026, its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 filed with the SEC on May 11, 2026 and the future reports that it may file from time to time with the SEC. AST SpaceMobile’s securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, AST SpaceMobile disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260623653685/en/ Investor Contact:
Scott Wisniewski
investors@ast-science.com Media Contact:
Allison Worldwide
AstSpaceMobile@allisonpr.com Original: AST SpaceMobile Announces BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 Orbital Launch in the First Half of August
US Market News
3 weeks ago
AST SpaceMobile Announces Successful Orbital Launch of BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10June 17, 2026 6:10 AM
Business Wire BlueBird satellites are the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit, measuring approximately 2,400 square feet, for government and commercial use BlueBird satellites are designed to enable peak data speeds of nearly 200 Mbps directly to standard smartphones, enabling voice, broadband data, and video from space BlueBird satellites through BlueBird 37 in production, while BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 are in final preparations for shipment to Cape Canaveral AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today announced the successful orbital launch of its BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 satellites. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260617420856/en/BlueBirds 8, 9, 10 successful launch The BlueBird 8, 9, 10 mission lifted off at 2:39 EDT on Wednesday, June 17, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, marking another important milestone in AST SpaceMobile’s continued network deployment enabling true space-based cellular broadband connectivity directly to everyday smartphones. BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 satellites are the largest commercial communications arrays ever deployed in low Earth orbit, measuring approximately 2,400 square feet. Their expansive antenna arrays enable direct, reliable connectivity to standard smartphones, with high power generation in orbit. The result is more targeted coverage, reduced interference, increased capacity, and seamless cellular broadband experience. These next-generation satellites are designed to deliver nearly double the peak data speeds of the company's initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites, which recently achieved peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones, supporting voice, broadband data, and video applications from space. “BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 represent the continued execution of a vision once considered impossible: space-based cellular broadband to everyone, everywhere” said Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AST SpaceMobile. “Our team has built a new class of space-based cellular broadband technology that connects seamlessly to everyday smartphones. This is a fundamental transformation of how the world connects. We invented this market, and we are executing and advancing our network to make global, space-based cellular broadband a reality.” “This first stacked launch is just the beginning,” Avellan added. “BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 will ship shortly for our next launch, while next-generation BlueBird satellites through BlueBird 37 are already in active production and assembly Our focus is firmly on execution: scaling launch cadence, manufacturing, and preparing for commercial service.” Each launch advances the company’s goal of delivering seamless, space-based cellular broadband integrated with terrestrial mobile networks, leveraging a flexible spectrum strategy across both partner and AST SpaceMobile spectrum, together with standard 4G and 5G devices. BlueBird satellites are assembled, integrated, and tested at AST SpaceMobile’s facilities in Midland Texas, reflecting the company’s commitment to U.S.-based innovation and manufacturing. AST SpaceMobile now operates over 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and operations facilities worldwide, supported by a 2,250+ workforce, and a technology platform backed by over 3,900 patents and patent-pending claims. As the constellation grows, the company progresses toward initial service activation and continuous coverage across key markets including the United States, Canada, Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, in collaboration with leading mobile network operators AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Bell, Telus, and stc Group, as well as the U.S. Government and other strategic markets. AST SpaceMobile has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators globally representing more than 3 billion subscribers combined, together with strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower. About AST SpaceMobile AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to enable 4G and 5G space-based cellular broadband to every device, everywhere, for today’s nearly 6 billion mobile subscribers globally. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains “forward-looking statements” that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of AST SpaceMobile to differ materially from those expected and projected. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “continue,” or “should,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside AST SpaceMobile’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expectations regarding AST SpaceMobile’s strategies and future financial performance, including AST’s future business plans or objectives, expected functionality of the SpaceMobile Service, anticipated timing of the launch of the Block 2 BlueBird satellites, anticipated demand and acceptance of mobile satellite services, prospective performance and commercial opportunities and competitors, the timing of obtaining regulatory approvals, ability to finance its research and development activities, commercial partnership acquisition and retention, products and services, pricing, marketing plans, operating expenses, market trends, revenues, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and AST SpaceMobile’s ability to invest in growth initiatives; (ii) the negotiation of definitive agreements with mobile network operators relating to the SpaceMobile Service that would supersede preliminary agreements and memoranda of understanding and the ability to enter into commercial agreements with other parties or government entities; (iii) the ability of AST SpaceMobile to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees and AST SpaceMobile’s responses to actions of its competitors and its ability to effectively compete; (iv) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (v) the possibility that AST SpaceMobile may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against AST SpaceMobile; and (vii) other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including those in the Risk Factors section of AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2026, its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 filed with the SEC on May 11, 2026 and the future reports that it may file from time to time with the SEC. AST SpaceMobile cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. AST SpaceMobile cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors in AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2026, its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 filed with the SEC on May 11, 2026 and the future reports that it may file from time to time with the SEC. AST SpaceMobile’s securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, AST SpaceMobile disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260617420856/en/ Investor Contact:
Scott Wisniewski
investors@ast-science.com Media Contact:
Allison Worldwide
AstSpaceMobile@allisonpr.com Original: AST SpaceMobile Announces Successful Orbital Launch of BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10
iHub News
4 weeks ago
Space Stocks Rally After SpaceX Sets Record IPO Price at $135 Per ShareJune 12, 2026 6:23 AM
IH Market News SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX) confirmed on Thursday that it had priced its landmark initial public offering at $135 per share, raising $75 billion in what has become the largest IPO ever completed in the United States. The Elon Musk-led company sold 555.56 million shares, giving the rocket, satellite and spacecraft group an implied valuation of approximately $1.77 trillion based on 13.08 billion shares outstanding. Historic Valuation Places SpaceX Among Market Giants The valuation establishes a new record for an initial public offering and immediately places SpaceX among the largest publicly traded companies in America. When trading begins on Nasdaq on Friday, the company is expected to rank as the seventh-largest listed business in the United States by market capitalisation. The valuation could increase further if underwriters choose to exercise their option to sell additional shares, a decision that is typically made within 30 days of an IPO. At its debut valuation, SpaceX is worth more than several established corporate heavyweights, including JPMorgan Chase, Berkshire Hathaway, Eli Lilly, Meta Platforms and Musk’s electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla. The lofty valuation comes despite SpaceX reporting a loss last year and generating revenues that remain significantly below those of many other mega-cap companies. Sector Peers Gain Ahead of Market Debut Investor excitement surrounding the upcoming flotation lifted shares across the space and satellite sector in premarket trading. Satellite communications provider EchoStar (NASDAQ:SATS) rose more than 4%, while Viasat (NASDAQ:VSAT) gained 2.3%. AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) advanced 5.8%, and Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) climbed as much as 8% before the opening bell as traders positioned themselves ahead of SpaceX’s debut. The strong performance reflected broader optimism about the space industry and expectations that SpaceX’s market entrance could attract increased investor attention to the sector. IPO Smashes Previous Records The previous record for the largest IPO belonged to Saudi Aramco, which raised $25.6 billion during its 2019 market debut at a valuation of $1.71 trillion. Adjusted for inflation, Aramco’s offering generated approximately $33.2 billion and valued the company at around $2.21 trillion. Even so, SpaceX’s $75 billion fundraising effort comfortably surpasses all previous IPOs in terms of capital raised, establishing a new benchmark for public offerings. Starlink and Space Operations Drive Growth Story Founded in 2002, SpaceX says its mission is “to build the systems and technologies necessary to make life multiplanetary, to understand the true nature of the universe, and to extend the light of consciousness to the stars.” The company stated that its launch operations have been responsible for more than four-fifths of all mass sent into orbit over the past three years, highlighting its dominant position within the commercial space industry. In addition to its launch business, SpaceX operates the Starlink satellite internet network, which serves customers across 164 countries, territories and markets worldwide. Starlink currently generates the majority of the company’s revenue and has become a key pillar of its long-term growth strategy. Strong Retail and Institutional Demand Underpins Offering SpaceX took an unconventional approach to its public listing by allocating 30% of the offering to retail investors and determining the IPO price before conducting the traditional roadshow process typically used to market new share offerings. Demand proved exceptionally strong across both retail and institutional investors. According to Bloomberg News, retail demand exceeded $100 billion, while institutional appetite was also substantial. The Wall Street Journal reported that BlackRock alone submitted an order worth approximately $5 billion. The overwhelming interest highlights investor confidence in Musk’s vision and reinforces expectations that SpaceX’s stock market debut will be one of the most closely watched trading events in recent years. SpaceX IPO EchoStar stock price ViaSat stock price AST SpaceMobile stock price Rocket Lab stock price Want to stay up-to-date on the SpaceX IPO? Find the top asked questions from investors and follow their every move here: https://invest.investorshub.com/spacex-ipo-watch/ Original: Space Stocks Rally After SpaceX Sets Record IPO Price at $135 Per Share
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