AST SpaceMobile shares surge 10.39% after-hours on new defense contracts and BlueBird 7 satellite launch announcement.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) surged 10.39% in after-hours trading following the announcement of new U.S. defense contracts and the imminent launch of its BlueBird 7 satellite. The company secured awards from the Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD program and the Space Development Agency, totaling $43 million, alongside plans for the satellite launch, which aims to enable direct-to-smartphone connectivity. These developments underscore progress in government partnerships and commercial execution, aligning with the stock’s bullish movement. While broader sector volatility linked to SpaceX IPO speculation and valuation analysis were noted, the immediate catalyst appears tied to concrete operational advancements and contract wins, reinforcing investor confidence in the company’s strategic execution.