AST SpaceMobile (AST SpaceMobile (ASTS)) is having a bit of a rough Wednesday, even after delivering some pretty exciting news. The company announced the successful orbital launch of its BlueBird satellites 11, 12, and 13, which took off from Cape Canaveral aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. That's a big deal for the company's next-generation satellite network, but the market seems to be taking a "show me" approach, with shares down 3.20% to $68.06 at the time of publication.
Let's break down what this launch means, why the stock is moving the way it is, and what investors should be watching next.
Bigger Satellites, Bigger Ambitions
The launch of BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 is part of a broader scaling effort. The company already has its sights set on the next mission, which will carry BlueBirds 14 through 16, and production is advancing through BlueBird 42. So this isn't a one-off; it's a steady march toward a much larger constellation.
What's particularly noteworthy about these new satellites is their size. The communications arrays on these BlueBirds are more than three times larger than those on the initial Block 1 satellites. That's not just for show. Bigger arrays mean improved coverage, lower interference, and higher capacity. And the specs back that up: these satellites are expected to support peak data rates approaching 200 Mbps. That's a meaningful step up and could make the service more attractive for both commercial and government customers.
Technical Check: Where Does ASTS Stand?
Now, let's talk about the stock itself. At $68.25, ASTS is trading 9% above its 20-day simple moving average (SMA) of $62.74, which sounds fine. But here's the catch: it's 15.1% below its 50-day SMA of $80.52. That's a pretty wide gap, and it suggests the stock has been on a downward trend over the medium term, even though the 12-month picture is still positive, with a gain of 33.75%.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 53.39, which is right in the neutral zone. That means the stock isn't overbought or oversold. It's a coin flip, really. The stock could consolidate here, or it could make a move depending on what happens next. The key levels to watch are resistance at $80.52, which aligns with the 50-day SMA and has historically been a tough barrier, and support at $63.50, where buyers have stepped in before.
Earnings: The Next Big Catalyst
The next major event on the calendar is earnings, set for August 10, 2026. The expectations are interesting. Analysts are looking for a loss of 29 cents per share, which is actually an improvement from the loss of 41 cents in the same period last year. Revenue is expected to jump to $34.54 million, up from just $1.16 million. That's a massive increase, and it reflects the progress the company is making in commercializing its technology.
Analyst sentiment is cautiously optimistic. The stock carries a Hold rating with an average price target of $81.13. Recent moves include Scotiabank upgrading to Sector Perform with a $50.80 target on July 29, B. Riley Securities upgrading to Buy with a target maintained at $85.00 on July 17, and Piper Sandler initiating coverage with an Overweight rating and a $100.00 target on July 16. So there's a mix of views, but the overall tone is positive.
Momentum: A Weak Spot
According to market data, ASTS's momentum score is weak, coming in at 35.78. That means the stock is underperforming the broader market on that front. It's a signal that the stock has had trouble maintaining upward price movement recently. Investors should keep an eye on whether that changes after earnings or if the stock continues to lag.
ETF Exposure: A Double-Edged Sword
One thing that's worth noting is ASTS's weight in a few ETFs. The Defiance Space and Connective Tech ETF (UFOX) has a 2.67% weight, the Tradr 2X Long ASTS Daily ETF (ASTX) has a 106.05% weight (yes, that's a leveraged fund), and the VanEck Social Sentiment ETF (BUZZ) has a 3.44% weight. Because ASTS is such a significant part of these funds, any big inflows or outflows from them will force automatic buying or selling of the stock. That can amplify moves in either direction, so it's something to keep in mind.
So, what's the takeaway? The launch is a positive step for AST SpaceMobile's long-term story, but the stock is facing some near-term headwinds. The technical picture is mixed, momentum is weak, and all eyes are on earnings next week. If the company delivers on those revenue expectations, we could see a shift in sentiment. If not, the stock might struggle to break through that resistance at $80.52. Either way, it's shaping up to be an interesting week for ASTS investors.
