Prediction: AST SpaceMobile Will Be the Best-Performing Space Stock of 2027

The space industry could be entering a new growth phase, and AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) is one of the most interesting companies to watch. With its satellite network expanding and direct-to-device service increasingly a reality, AST has several major catalysts ahead. If those catalysts play out, the stock could distinguish itself as one of the sector's top performers heading into 2027.

For years, AST has largely been a prove-it story, centered on whether it can launch enough satellites to deliver meaningful cellular coverage and turn that technology into a viable business. The company is already clearing many of those hurdles.

AST has successfully launched its next-generation BlueBird satellites, including three in August, bringing the total number of BlueBird spacecraft launched to 13.

The bigger opportunity has yet to come. AST has pushed its target for a larger satellite deployment to early 2027, meaning the coming year could be when investors finally see whether the company can scale its network. Perhaps more importantly, AST is already showing meaningful progress on that front today.

Image source: Getty Images.

The company says it's targeting to launch between 45 and 60 satellites by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, additional satellites are already in different stages of production. That means AST is moving closer to the coverage and capacity that a commercially useful network needs.

With more satellites coming online, AST is getting closer to putting its technology into the hands of real users.

AST moves closer to launching beta service

The next major catalyst is actual customer usage. AST is preparing a beta service with select mobile network partners, starting with AT&T and Verizon.

The company has already activated thousands of digital cells across the U.S. as it prepares its service. That could be a major turning point for the investment thesis. Until now, much of the bull case for AST has rested on whether its technology can work at scale. As a result, a successful beta service would finally give investors something tangible to evaluate.

Not only that, the company already has agreements with more than 60 mobile network operators covering billions of subscribers, giving it a distribution network that would be extremely difficult for a smaller space company to replace on its own. But AST doesn't need to convince billions of consumers to download a new app or buy a new device. The mobile operators already have the customers; AST is simply providing the network in space to serve them.

And beyond the U.S., AST could expand into another key market.

Japan could become a second major market

AST and Rakuten were selected for Japan's J-LEO initiative, which is expected to receive as much as $1 billion in government capital. That funding could support satellite communications infrastructure in Japan without leaning too heavily on AST's own finances.

AST says the partnership is part of its broader push to establish direct-to-device service in Japan. That matters because Japan gives AST another large, developed telecom market, with applications ranging from rural coverage to emergency communications. It could also give investors proof that the business model works outside the U.S.

If the Rakuten service launches as planned and J-LEO progresses, Japan could become a key market, creating another growth engine beyond the U.S. It could also prove that AST's business model can scale internationally, adding new revenue sources as its satellite network expands.

With a growing constellation, a real shot at beta service, and now an international foothold taking shape, the pieces are starting to line up.

Why AST could be the top space stock of 2027

AST SpaceMobile is entering 2027 with several catalysts lining up: a growing satellite constellation, beta service, and international expansion. If the company executes well and turns its technology into a working commercial network, the market could start valuing AST very differently, which is exactly why this could be the best-performing space stock of the year.

Rick Orford has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.