AST SpaceMobile (ASTS +5.50%) is taking on Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX -2.33%) and its Starlink service. That's a tall task, given that SpaceX has a fully functioning satellite network and AST SpaceMobile is still building its network out. With the launch delay of 45 satellites until 2027, AST SpaceMobile shareholders should worry about whether there's enough cash on hand to fund the business. Management is already on it.
AST SpaceMobile is behind, but ready to hit the ground running
While AST SpaceMobile doesn't have its planned satellite network fully up and running yet, its technology works with existing cellphones. And it has agreements with large cellphone service providers to offer the satellite service to their customers. That gives AST SpaceMobile a built-in customer base for when it finally offers a robust service. The problem is getting from here to there, since building and launching satellites isn't easy.
Image source: Getty Images.
The company is aware that it needs cash, which is why it raised $1.15 billion via a convertible bond sale after the second quarter ended. According to the company, this brings its liquidity position up to $3.7 billion. That's good because the company ate through roughly $145 million with its operating activities in the first half of 2026, and another $1 billion was spent on capital investments (building satellites is really expensive).
ASTS AST SpaceMobile
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/15/26
At this rate of spend, AST SpaceMobile's $3.7 billion will last about a year and a half. That might be an aggressive view, since the company used only about $1.6 billion in cash for operating and investing activities in 2025. But, even then, the cash it has today would only last a bit over two years. The good news is that, regardless of whether you take the more stringent or more generous view of cash use here, the company is likely to have more than enough cash to get its 45 satellites into orbit.
