$ASTS is having a rough day after Blue Origin’s New Glenn exploded during a static fire test at LC-36. Important to call out that no AST SpaceMobile satellite was on the rocket since this was a test firing with no payload. So the near-term launch catalyst hasn't changed with BB8, BB9 and BB10 still expected to launch in mid-June on a SpaceX Falcon 9. The issue is the 2026 deployment schedule since AST needs multiple launch providers to hit its target of 45 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026 and New Glenn was expected to be a key part of that launch cadence. Blue Origin was already dealing with an FAA investigation into the April second-stage failure which had introduced some uncertainty into this year’s launch plan but last night’s explosion adds a much larger problem because LC-36 is currently Blue Origin’s only operational New Glenn launch pad. If the pad suffered significant damage (probably did) New Glenn’s return-to-service timeline will stretch meaningfully making it harder for AST to hit its 2026 satellite deployment target under the current launch plan. Thats why the stock is selling off since AST can pursue additional launch providers over time but new launch diversification does not fully solve a near-term 2026 timing issue.

In France, we believe in science. That is why, on May 5, I issued a clear and open call to the world: for science, choose France. I am very proud to see that this call has resonated so strongly. Around forty leading researchers have chosen France. Through “France 2030”, we have invested more than €30 million to advance health, climate action, artificial intelligence, and fundamental sciences. Science has found its home.

Here’s how to avoid getting lost in the “Idea Maze…” Being a founder is a bit like being Jack Torrance at the end of “The Shining.” If you could see a bird eye view of the entire landscape, you’d navigate your way to success immediately… but on the ground, it just looks like a bunch of snowy hedges. On TWiST Tokyo, @Jason and legendary angel investor @tgm blaze their own path through the idea maze, with a must-watch deep dive into essential tips for early-stage founders, angel investors, and everyone in between. Find out why investors need to stay aggressively optimistic, why buzzwords and marketing speak in your pitches are such a huge red flag, the secrets behind @elonmusk visionary achievements, “poker tells” that both Jason and Thomas look for in founders, and why running out of money is the greatest startup danger to watch out for. 🎥 Watch the full episode here 👇