AST SpaceMobile Clears Two Major Hurdles as Satellite Assembly Ramps Up

The narrative around AST SpaceMobile is shifting. A significant overhang on the stock has been removed, while the company simultaneously pushes ahead with production and secures crucial regulatory approvals. Investors are now looking to the May 11 earnings report for the next catalyst.

Rakuten Exits Its Selling Program

Rakuten Mobile has completed the sale of roughly 4.5 million shares through a pre-arranged trading plan, generating proceeds of about $392.3 million. The Japanese telecom giant’s stake has fallen from 11% to 5.3% following the transactions. Market participants view the conclusion of this program as a technical relief, with the additional supply pressure now dissipated.

The stock responded with a sharp rally on Friday, climbing 11.87% to €62.20. While this marks a recovery from the week’s lows, the shares remain well below their 52-week high of €102.00. The volatility reflects a broader tension between operational progress and lingering execution risks.

FCC Green Light for 248-Satellite Constellation

A significant regulatory milestone was achieved when the Federal Communications Commission authorized AST SpaceMobile to operate up to 248 satellites. The approval allows the company to close cellular coverage gaps directly from space across the United States. Partners AT&T and Verizon are backing the initiative, though the FCC has imposed clear deployment deadlines — half of the fleet must be in orbit by August 2030.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying AST SpaceMobile?

This regulatory victory comes at a critical juncture. The company currently has 32 next-generation satellites in final assembly at its Texas facility, with three BlueBird satellites scheduled for launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket in mid-June.

Blue Origin Setback and CEO Compensation Concerns

Not all news has been positive. The launch of BlueBird 7 on a Blue Origin rocket failed when the satellite entered too low an orbit and burned up during reentry. While insurance covers the financial loss, the incident underscores AST SpaceMobile’s dependency on reliable launch providers. Until competitors like Blue Origin or Rocket Lab demonstrate consistent performance, the company remains reliant on SpaceX.

Meanwhile, a recent proxy statement has drawn attention to CEO Abel Avellan’s compensation structure. Avellan has received no base salary since 2021, with his 2025 compensation of approximately $14.2 million consisting entirely of stock awards. These payouts are tied to strict operational targets. One key goal — a specific number of satellites in orbit by February 2026 — has already been marked as “not achieved.” Avellan maintains voting control of over 70% of shares.

AST SpaceMobile at a turning point? This analysis reveals what investors need to know now.

Cash Position and Earnings Preview

The company holds more than $3.9 billion in cash, providing ample runway for the upcoming launch phases. All eyes are now on May 11, when AST SpaceMobile will report first-quarter results after the US market close. Analysts expect a massive revenue jump to $40 million, compared to just $3.25 million in the year-ago period.

The management team will need to address how the company plans to hit its full-year revenue target of up to $200 million. The stock has lost nearly 30% of its value this month alone, and at €57.90, it trades roughly 43% below its 52-week peak. The earnings call will be the next test of whether the company can translate its regulatory wins and production momentum into tangible financial results.

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AST SpaceMobile Stock: New Analysis - 9 May

Fresh AST SpaceMobile information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.

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