---
title: "AST SpaceMobile gains FCC approval, advances BlueBird deployment"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/286002362.md"
description: "AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) has received FCC approval for its direct-to-device broadband service, facilitating the deployment of its BlueBird satellite constellation. The company aims to launch 45 satellites in 2026, with significant commercial momentum and a projected revenue of $150–200 million for the year. Despite a strong balance sheet with $3.5 billion in cash, analysts rate ASTS stock as a Sell due to financial challenges. The latest guidance indicates growth potential, but execution risks remain following setbacks with BlueBird 7."
datetime: "2026-05-11T21:58:09.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/286002362.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286002362.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/286002362.md)
---

# AST SpaceMobile gains FCC approval, advances BlueBird deployment

### Claim 55% Off TipRanks

Trade ASTS with leverage

AST SpaceMobile ( (ASTS) ) just unveiled an announcement.

AST SpaceMobile reported first-quarter 2026 results on May 11, 2026, highlighting rapid progress in deploying its BlueBird satellite constellation and scaling vertically integrated production. The company is targeting about 45 satellites in orbit during 2026, with BlueBird 8, 9 and 10 slated for mid-June launch, BlueBird 11–33 in advanced production, and BlueBird 6 operating as expected after deploying the largest phased array in low Earth orbit.

Commercial momentum accelerated as the FCC authorized SpaceMobile’s direct-to-device broadband service in the United States, supporting a potential network of up to 248 satellites and underpinning ground integration across key markets covering a combined 2.9 billion people. AST SpaceMobile posted first-quarter revenue of $14.7 million, reiterated full-year 2026 revenue guidance of $150–200 million, and emphasized a strong balance sheet with about $3.5 billion in cash to fund more than 100 BlueBird satellites and expand its partner ecosystem to nearly 60 mobile operators serving over 3 billion subscribers.

The most recent analyst rating on (ASTS) stock is a Sell with a $41.20 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on AST SpaceMobile stock, see the ASTS Stock Forecast page.

**Spark’s Take on ASTS Stock**

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, ASTS is a Neutral.

The score is held back primarily by weak financial fundamentals—large losses and very negative free cash flow—despite improving revenue and a strengthened, low-leverage balance sheet. Offsetting this, the latest earnings call provided strong growth guidance, substantial liquidity, and meaningful contracted commitments, while technicals are neutral-to-soft after a pullback. Valuation remains challenged due to unprofitability, and the BlueBird 7 setback adds near-term execution risk.

To see Spark’s full report on ASTS stock, click here.

**More about AST SpaceMobile**

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. is a satellite communications company developing a space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly with standard, unmodified smartphones and other mobile devices. The company targets both commercial and government markets, leveraging an extensive intellectual property portfolio, shared mobile network operator and mobile satellite services spectrum, and large-scale manufacturing facilities to enable global coverage.

**Average Trading Volume:** 14,913,701

**Technical Sentiment Signal:** Buy

**Current Market Cap:** $29.12B

Learn more about ASTS stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.

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