The space race originally started to send astronauts to the moon - that goal was accomplished in 1969 when Neil Armstrong became the first human to step foot on the moon.
Flash forward to 2026: Space isn't just for astronauts anymore.
NASA and other companies are ramping up their space efforts - planning on sending people back to the moon within the next few years.
- There are plans to put people on Mars within the next decade or two.
The ramp up to space needs one thing: Money.
Investment into space companies exploded in 2025. Deal flow hit 130 transactions in Q1 alone, and governments are backing it up with serious cash.
The U.S. Space Force got a $29 billion budget in 2024.
NASA also just received a $10 billion increase in 2025 through The One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
And President Trump's Golden Dome executive order is pushing for defense systems in space.
Translation: Money is flowing into the companies building space infrastructure - satellites, rockets, and construction tech.
Some estimates show there are around 12,000 satellites in space - these satellites are for GPS, internet, cell service and more.
AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) is building a network of satellites in space for broadband and 4G cell service.
And over the last year as of January 30th, 2026, shares have jumped around 449% as the space economy heats up with new demand.
Why? Space-based cellular service didn't exist like this a few years ago.
Now it's becoming a real business with real contracts.
ASTS is currently riding that wave.
But why are some investors interested in ASTS right now? And what do experts think about the long-term potential of the company?
Let’s break down what makes ASTS different, where they may be innovating, and the risks investors need to be aware of with this shift and potential opportunity.
Looking for more? Our market analysts broke down ASTS and other potential space stock opportunities in Market Briefs Pro.
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What Makes ASTS Stock Different
Obviously there’s some hype around space and ASTS right now - but exactly does AST SpaceMobile do?
AST SpaceMobile created something unique: a space-based cellular network.
Instead of your texts and calls bouncing to a nearby tower, they go straight to satellites orbiting Earth.
Why does this matter? There are places on the planet where you can't build cell towers - remote areas, disaster zones, oceans.
That's where ASTS comes in.
The company has partnered with AT&T and Google to expand their networks globally to provide broadband and even 4G in some areas where service wasn’t really possible before.
Plus, when cell towers go down during hurricanes or wildfires, space-based service could keep people connected.
The question now becomes: Will satellite cell service one day replace towers?
That’s yet to be seen - but the thought has excited Wall Street, with ASTS jumping in the last year or so.
The Catch: ASTS Isn't Profitable Yet
Here's the reality check: ASTS had zero revenue in 2023.
In 2024, they brought in just $4.4 million - down from $13 million in 2022.
Why the drop? The company spent 2023 developing its technology and relaunched services in 2024. They're still in growth mode, not profit mode.
There’s no guarantee that ASTS will be profitable, either. Space technology is expensive and companies might find a cheaper solution in the future.
Plus, its tech needs to stand out. Space is a competitive field, so it will need to continue to lead with innovations in the future in order to continue to impress investors.
Should You Invest in ASTS Stock?
Let's be clear: ASTS stock is speculative. That means it has the potential to grow, but could also easily fall to zero.
The company isn't profitable, revenue is minimal, and space technology still has a long way to go before people are living on Mars or building cities on the moon.
Current innovations could be overshadowed by better technology down the road. Government spending priorities could also shift.
There are no guarantees when you invest and ASTS stock is no different.
But if space infrastructure continues growing the way it has been, companies like AST SpaceMobile could benefit from that long-term shift.
For investors willing to take on risk and think long-term, ASTS stock represents exposure to a technology that's still in its early stages - but gaining momentum fast.
Always do your own due diligence and research before making any investment - we’re not here to tell you what to invest in.
We’re just here to present potential investing opportunities, which may include ASTS for some investors.
Speaking of which: We’re breaking down even more potential investing opportunities in Market Briefs Pro every week.
