AST SpaceMobile Faces Twin Probes as Law Firms Investigate Potential Securities Fraud
SYDNEY, 17 January 2026 – AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) is under significant legal scrutiny after two prominent shareholder rights law firms announced separate investigations into the satellite communications company. The probes, initiated by Levi & Korsinsky LLP and Pomerantz LLP, centre on potential violations of federal securities laws and follow a recent satellite launch delay and a sharp analyst downgrade that rattled investor confidence.
The Legal Probes
Levi & Korsinsky LLP notified investors on 14 January 2026 that it had commenced an investigation into AST SpaceMobile concerning potential breaches of federal securities laws. The firm, which has a two-decade track record in securities litigation, is examining whether the company issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.
Separately, litigation firm Pomerantz LLP announced its own investigation into potential claims of securities fraud and other unlawful business practices by AST SpaceMobile and its officers and/or directors. The Pomerantz probe was revealed on or around 15 January 2026.
The Triggering Event
The investigations follow a sequence of events that began in mid-December 2025. On 15 December 2025, it was revealed that the launch of AST’s next-generation BlueBird 6 satellite had been delayed. The launch, scheduled from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India, was tentatively pushed back to 21 December 2025 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) due to prolonged pre-launch integration and testing. The company had not released a detailed public statement regarding the delay at the time.
This news was followed on 7 January 2026 by a significant analyst downgrade. Scotiabank changed its rating on ASTS to Sell, citing mounting competition from SpaceX’s Starlink, slow customer adoption, and repeated satellite launch delays.
Market Reaction & Volatility
The market reaction to these developments has been pronounced. Following the December launch delay news, AST’s stock price fell by US$6.51 (9.52%) per share to close at US$61.86 on 17 December 2025. The Scotiabank downgrade on 7 January 2026 triggered an immediate 12.06% sell-off, with the price falling US$11.76 to close at US$85.73.
Since then, the stock has experienced sharp volatility. After the initial sell-off, the price recovered to approximately US$112.15 by the morning of 15 January 2026, and was reported trading around US$117.76 later that day, demonstrating the uncertain and reactive sentiment surrounding the stock amidst the legal overhang.
Key Facts for Investors
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| BlueBird 6 Launch Delay | Revealed 15 Dec 2025. Scheduled launch pushed from 15 Dec to 21 Dec 2025. |
| Post-Delay Stock Drop | Price fell 9.52% to US$61.86 on 17 Dec 2025. |
| Scotiabank Downgrade | Rating cut to Sell on 7 Jan 2026, citing competition and delays. |
| Post-Downgrade Stock Drop | Price fell 12.06% to US$85.73 on 7 Jan 2026. |
| Levi & Korsinsky Investigation | Announced 14 Jan 2026. Investigating potential securities law violations. |
| Pomerantz LLP Investigation | Announced circa 15 Jan 2026. Investigating potential securities fraud. |
| Recent Trading Price (Approx.) | ~US$112 – US$118 (mid-January 2026). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the law firms investigating?
Levi & Korsinsky and Pomerantz LLP are investigating whether AST SpaceMobile, its officers, or directors engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices by potentially issuing materially false or misleading statements to the market, failing to disclose material adverse facts, and/or lacking a reasonable basis for their positive statements about the company’s business and prospects.
What triggered these investigations?
The primary catalyst appears to be the disclosure of a significant delay to the BlueBird 6 satellite launch in December 2025 and the subsequent analyst downgrade in January 2026. The investigations will examine whether the company adequately and timely disclosed risks related to launch timelines and competitive pressures.
What should ASTS shareholders do?
Shareholders who have suffered losses are advised to contact the investigating law firms to learn more about their rights and potential recovery options. The announcements from both Levi & Korsinsky and Pomerantz LLP include contact information for shareholders. Investors should monitor the company’s official disclosures and any outcomes from these legal proceedings.