AST SpaceMobile shares reached a nearly three-week high following support from the U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA). The SDA urged the Federal Communications Commission to approve pulsed radiolocation tests using BlueBird satellites. These operations will utilize the 902-928 MHz frequency band.
The SDA designated the testing program as an important national security objective. AST SpaceMobile currently serves as a subcontractor under an SDA contract to demonstrate commercial tactical satellite capabilities.
The company also requested an authorization renewal for separate broadband testing in the 800 MHz band. This development occurs as European partners, including Vodafone, reportedly consider developing a commercial rival to Starlink satellite services.