ASTS Satellite Launch Successful
SpaceX alternative investments - not financial advice
Been in these for a week. The theory is they are alternative investments to SpaceX for space.
Not financial advice.
AST SpaceMobile (ASTS)
• What They Do: ASTS is building the first space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard, unmodified smartphones (Direct-to-Cell). Their satellites function as “cell towers in space,” aiming to eliminate dead zones by partnering with major telecom operators like AT&T and Verizon.
• Prospects: The company is in a high-risk, high-reward “execution phase.” As of late 2025, revenue is growing rapidly (up over 600% year-over-year) but from a very small base ($14.7M in Q3 2025), and they continue to burn cash. The key catalyst for 2026 is the successful launch of their “BlueBird” satellites and the rollout of commercial beta service.
Planet Labs (PL)
• What They Do: Planet Labs operates a massive constellation of imaging satellites that scan the entire Earth daily. They sell this data and analytics to governments (defense/intelligence) and commercial sectors (agriculture/insurance) to monitor change on a global scale.
• Prospects: Planet is shifting focus from just “selling pictures” to selling AI-driven insights. In December 2025, they beat revenue expectations ($81.3M for the quarter) and are moving closer to profitability. Their government backlog is growing significantly, making them a more stable, albeit slower-moving, infrastructure play compared to pre-revenue space stocks.
Rocket Lab (RKLB)
• What They Do: A vertically integrated space company that provides launch services (via the “Electron” rocket) and builds satellite systems/components for other companies. They are widely considered the “mini-SpaceX” and the only other reliable private launch provider currently at scale.
• Prospects: Momentum is very high entering 2026. They recently secured a massive $816M contract with the Space Force. While their medium-lift “Neutron” rocket has seen some delays (maiden flight now expected in 2026), their core launch business is setting records (20+ launches in 2025). They are aggressively priced for growth rather than immediate profit.
Redwire (RDW)
• What They Do: Redwire is a “picks and shovels” supplier for space infrastructure. They manufacture critical components like roll-out solar arrays (ROSA), avionics, bio-printing tech, and recently expanded into drones/uncrewed systems.
• Prospects: The company recently missed earnings expectations in late 2025, causing the stock to pull back. However, their revenue is still growing (up 50% year-over-year due to acquisitions), and they have a strong backlog supporting the Artemis lunar missions and commercial space stations. They are a critical supplier but currently face short-term margin pressures.
https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx4SYh6y7Vzn-bqiN7zDUmWYagcyCMf3q2?si=jIRYDTakPPQcejQO
