AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) on Thursday announced its collaboration with major European mobile network operators, including Vodafone Group Plc (NASDAQ:VOD), Orange, and Deutsche Telekom, to speed up the deployment of its space-based cellular broadband network.

This strategic move aims to enhance mobile connectivity across Europe, leveraging AST SpaceMobile’s satellite technology.

  • Integration Testing: Currently underway across European countries with leading operators.
  • Partner Operators: Vodafone, Orange, Telefónica, Vodafone Ukraine, and Deutsche Telekom are involved.
  • Objective: To enhance mobile connectivity using space-based cellular broadband.

The partnership with these prominent European telecom operators signifies AST SpaceMobile’s commitment to expanding its satellite network capabilities.

The collaboration is expected to boost mobile connectivity, particularly in areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure.

Launches BlueBird Satellites 11, 12 And 13

On Wednesday, AST SpaceMobile launched BlueBird satellites 11, 12, and 13 on August 5, 2026, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, expanding its next-generation satellite constellation.

The new satellites feature communications arrays more than three times larger than the initial Block 1 BlueBirds, enabling improved coverage, lower interference, and higher capacity.

The BlueBird satellites are expected to support peak data rates approaching 200 Mbps, enhancing the company’s offerings for both commercial and government applications.

ASTS Earnings Preview: What Analysts Expect for August 2026

AST SpaceMobile is set to report earnings on August 10, 2026 (confirmed).

  • EPS Estimate: Loss of 29 cents (Up from a loss of 41 cents YoY)
  • Revenue Estimate: $34.54 million (Up from $1.16 million YoY)

Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Hold rating with an average price forecast of $81.13. Recent analyst moves include:

  • Scotiabank: Upgraded to Sector Perform (Target $50.80) (July 29)
  • B. Riley Securities: Upgraded to Buy (Maintains Target $85.00) (July 17)
  • Piper Sandler: Initiated with Overweight (Target $100.00) (July 16)

AST SpaceMobile’s Benzinga Edge: Momentum and Verdict

Below is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for AST SpaceMobile, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:

  • Momentum: Weak (Score: 24.93) — The stock’s recent action is still lagging on a longer lookback, even with today’s bounce.

The Verdict: AST SpaceMobile’s Benzinga Edge signal reveals a momentum-light setup, where the stock is bouncing but hasn’t rebuilt a durable trend profile yet. Traders will likely treat rallies as "prove it" moves until price can reclaim key moving averages and hold above nearby support.

ASTS ETF Exposure: Key Funds and Weightings

  • Defiance Space and Connective Tech ETF (NASDAQ:UFOX): 2.67% Weight
  • Tradr 2X Long ASTS Daily ETF (NASDAQ:ASTX): 106.05% Weight
  • VanEck Social Sentiment ETF (NYSE:BUZZ): 3.44% Weight

Significance: Because ASTS carries such a heavy weight in these funds, any significant inflows or outflows for these ETFs will likely force automatic buying or selling of the stock.

ASTS Price Action: AST SpaceMobile shares were up 1.92% at $69.69 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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