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AST SpaceMobile Sets Dec. 15 BlueBird 6 Launch as Stock Rallies and U.S. Production Expands

Investors are treating the mission as a pivotal proof point for the company’s direct-to-phone network.

Overview

  • AST SpaceMobile confirmed a five-launch campaign beginning December 15, with BlueBird 6 set to lift off from India and additional launches planned into the first quarter of 2026.
  • BlueBird 6 carries a nearly 2,400-square-foot phased array in low Earth orbit, about 3.5 times larger than earlier models and designed to deliver roughly 10 times the data capacity.
  • The company is scaling manufacturing with new and expanded facilities in Texas and Florida and reports progress toward completing “40 satellites equivalent” of key components by early next year.
  • Commercial traction includes definitive long-term agreements with Verizon and stc and more than 50 operator deals or MOUs, supporting reported contracted revenue commitments exceeding $1 billion.
  • Shares climbed roughly 14%–19% this week to around $70 ahead of the launch, as analysts flagged both the opportunity and execution risks from rivals such as Starlink/T‑Mobile, Lynk Global, and Apple/Globalstar.