Space SPAC Index – SpaceMobile Confirms 4G Signal Delivery to Smartphones
Welcome to S-SPACi! In this week’s edition, AST SpaceMobile confirmed it can deliver 4G capabilities to ordinary smartphones from a satellite, Redwire supported an X-Bow rocket launch, Terran Orbit joined the TIME100 list, Intuitive Machines’ CEO was honored with an entrepreneur award, and Virgin Galactic’s chairman passed away.
AST SpaceMobile Tests Download Speeds
AST SpaceMobile (Nasdaq: ASTS) announced it has repeated successful download speeds above 10 Mbps during tests of its BlueWalker 3 satellite and unmodified smartphones. Engineers conducted tests in Hawaii earlier this month using AT&T spectrum and Nokia technology.
“AST SpaceMobile’s space-based cellular capabilities are designed to be a critical extension for cellular communications. In addition to supporting basic voice and text that we expect from phones, it would also enable users to browse the internet, download files, use messaging apps or stream video,” said Chairman and CEO Abel Avellan. “Achieving this milestone from an unmodified, standard cell phone on the ground connecting through our low Earth orbit satellite is another groundbreaking moment in telecommunications history and an important step toward AST SpaceMobile’s goal of bringing broadband services to parts of the world where cellular coverage is either unreliable or simply does not exist today.”
Redwire supports X-Bow’s Bolt launch
Redwire (NYSE: RDW) provided advanced engineering services and payload deployment expertise for X-Bow System’s Bolt solid-fuel rocket, which launched from White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on June 8. Redwire developed and delivered the launch vehicle structure, separation system, launcher interface, and ground support equipment. The company also provided vehicle integration, launch, and post-flight recovery support.
X-Bow is focused on producing low-cost solid rocket motors. The company announced in April that it had been selected by the US Air Force for an AFWERX award. The award secured up to $60 million of government funding, private investment, and matching Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funds.
Space SPAC Index
June 21, 2023
| Company | First Trading Day | Opening Share Price | High | Closing Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astra Space (Nasdaq: ASTR) | July 1, 2021 | $12.30 | $16.95 (7/2/21) | $0.39 |
| AST SpaceMobile (Nasdaq: ASTS) | April 7, 2021 | $11.63 | $15.48 (6/30/21) | $6.29 |
| BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI) | Dec. 8, 2021 | $9.84 | $16.12 (4/6/22) | $2.40 |
| BlackSky (NYSE: BKSY) | Sept. 10, 2021 | $11.80 | $13.20 (9/16/21) | $1.85 |
| Intuitive Machines (Nasdaq: LUNR) | Feb. 14, 2023 | $10.00 | $136.00 (2/20/23) | $8.03 |
| Momentus (Nasdaq: MNTS) | Aug. 13, 2021 | $10.85 | 12.87 (9/7/21) | $0.30 |
| Planet Labs (NYSE: PL) | Dec. 8, 2021 | $11.25 | $11.65 (12/8/21) | $3.17 |
| Redwire (NYSE: RDW) | Sept. 3, 2021 | $10.70 | $16.98 (10/25/21) | $2.56 |
| Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) | Aug. 25, 2021 | $11.58 | $21.34 (9/9/21) | $5.90 |
| Satellogic (Nasdaq: SATL) | Jan. 26, 2022 | $9.19 | $10.92 (5/4/22) | $1.95 |
| Satixfy (NYSE AMERICAN: SATX) | Oct. 28, 2022 | $8.29 | $51.70 (11/17/22) | $0.44 |
| Spire (NYSE: SPIR) | Aug. 17, 2021 | $10.25 | $19.50 (9/22/21) | $0.68 |
| Terran Orbital (NYSE: LLAP) | March 28, 2022 | $12.69 | $12.69 (3/28/22) | $1.38 |
| Virgin Galactic (NYSE: SPCE) | Oct. 28, 2019 | $11.79 | $62.80 (2/4/21) | $5.71 |
Terran Orbital Joins TIME100
Satellite manufacturer Terran Orbital (NYSE: LLAP) has been named to Time Magazine’s TIME100 Most Influential Companies list for its “extraordinary impact around the world.”
“Terran Orbital is thrilled Time magazine is recognizing us for producing cost-effective, cutting-edge satellites in an influential companies list that includes pioneers, industry leaders, innovators, disruptors, and tech titans from around the globe,” said Chairman and CEO Marc Bell. “Terran Orbital is honored to join the ranks of a TIME100 Most Influential Companies list that has included the likes of Apple, Amazon, Google-parent Alphabet, Disney, Microsoft, Moderna, Ford, and the NFL.”
Intuitive Machines’ Steve Altemus wins entrepreneur award
Intuitive Machines (Nasdaq: LUNR) President and CEO Steve Altemus has been honored with the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Gulf South Region.
“The award is in recognition of visionary leadership that can extend a global reach and Intuitive Machines’ ability to positively impact a billion lives,” the company said in a press release. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to Steve’s unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership, and unparalleled dedication to driving innovation in the aerospace industry. Under his guidance, Intuitive Machines has reached new heights, transforming how humans explore space and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Virgin Galactic chairman passes away
Virgin Galactic (NYSE: SPCE) announced that Evan Lovell, chairman of the company’s Board of Directors, died unexpectedly on June 20 after an illness. Lovell had been appointed chairman in April after serving as interim chair since February 2022. He previously served as Chief Investment Officer for the Virgin Group.
“Evan was a great friend, a talented colleague and a visionary leader who was instrumental in helping Virgin Galactic become the company we are today,” said Virgin Galactic CEO Michael Colglazier. “On behalf of the entire Company, we offer his family and loved ones our deepest condolences. We will miss him terribly.”
Former US Navy Secretary Raymond Mabus, Jr. will serve as interim chairman.
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