AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS)

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Except as otherwise noted or where the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “dollars” and “$” in this Annual Report are to, and all monetary amounts in this Annual Report are presented in, U.S. dollars.

This section of this Annual Report generally discusses 2024 and 2023 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023. Discussions of 2023 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022 are not included, and can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Overview

We are building the first and only global Cellular Broadband network in space to be accessible directly by everyday smartphones (2G/4G-LTE/5G devices) for commercial use, and other applications for government use utilizing our extensive IP and patent portfolio. The SpaceMobile Service is being designed to provide cost-effective, high-speed Cellular Broadband services to end-users who are out of terrestrial cellular coverage using existing mobile devices. The SpaceMobile Service currently is planned to be provided by a constellation of high-powered, large phased-array satellites in low Earth orbit (“LEO”) using low-band and mid-band spectrum controlled by Mobile Network Operators (“MNOs”). As discussed under “Recent Developments” below, we entered into an agreement for usage rights for mid-band spectrum. Following the execution of definitive documentation and subject to the completion of certain conditions, we expect our network will be enhanced by our long-term access to up to 45 MHz of the lower mid-band satellite spectrum in the United States and Canada through our usage agreements. As of December 31, 2024, our IP portfolio consists of more than 3,500 patent and patent pending claims worldwide, of which approximately 1,550 have been officially granted or allowed. This includes 36 patent families worldwide. Our patents have various terms expiring starting 2039. We are headquartered in Texas where we operate 194,000 square feet satellite AIT facilities.

We intend to work with MNOs to offer the SpaceMobile Service to the MNOs’ end-user customers. Our vision is that users will not need to subscribe to the SpaceMobile Service directly through us, nor will they need to purchase any new or additional equipment. Instead, users will be able to access the SpaceMobile Service when prompted on their mobile device that they are no longer within range of the land-based facilities of the MNOs or will be able to purchase a plan directly with their existing mobile provider. We intend to seek to use a revenue-sharing business model for SpaceMobile Service in our agreements with MNOs.

The SpaceMobile Service is expected to be highly attractive to MNOs as it will enable them to improve and differentiate their service offering without significant incremental capital investments. The SpaceMobile Service is expected to enable MNOs to augment and extend their coverage without building towers or other land-based infrastructure, including where it is not cost-justified or is difficult due to geographical challenges. As a result of the incremental coverage created by the planned SpaceMobile Service, we believe that MNOs will have the opportunity to increase subscribers’ average revenue per user (“ARPU”).

We also intend to leverage our patented technology, including large phased array and high power capability of our BlueWalker 3 (“BW3”) test satellite and our BB satellites, for a variety of applications in the government sector. To this end, we have entered into agreements with prime contractors for the United States (“U.S.”) government to perform certain tasks and intend to seek to enter into other similar agreements with the U.S. government, either directly or through prime contractors, to develop and test certain non-communication applications and, once qualified, provide certain non-communication and communication services through our satellites.

On April 1, 2019, we launched our first test satellite, BlueWalker 1 (“BW1”), which was used to validate our satellite to cellular architecture and was capable of managing communications delays from LEO and the effects of doppler in a satellite to ground cellular environment using the 4G-LTE protocol.

We launched our BW3 test satellite on September 10, 2022, and announced the completion of the deployment of the communication phased array antenna of the BW3 test satellite in orbit on November 14, 2022. Using the BW3 test satellite, we successfully completed two-way 5G voice calls directly to standard unmodified smartphones, achieved repeated successful download speeds of above 21 Mbps to standard unmodified smartphones and spectral efficiency of approximately 3 bits per second per hertz. We have also successfully completed initial in-orbit and ground testing for non-communication government applications. We intend to continue testing capabilities of the BW3 test satellite, including further testing with cellular service providers and the U.S. government.

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We launched five first generation commercial BB satellites (“Block 1 BB satellites”) on September 12, 2024. The Block 1 BB satellites are of similar size and weight to the BW3 test satellite and have ten times higher throughput than the BW3 test satellite. In October 2024, we completed the deployment of the communication phased array antennas and Q/V antennas in orbit and performed a series of monitoring tests and activities to confirm the successful initial operations of the Block 1 BB satellites. In January 2025, we successfully made the first SpaceMobile video call from space with Vodafone using standard unmodified smartphones. In February 2025, we completed the voice and video call tests on standard unmodified smartphones with AT&T and Verizon in the U.S. and also completed the tests for non-communication applications for the U.S. government. All five Block 1 BB satellites have participated in the tests at various stages. We expect to continue testing for SpaceMobile Service including beta testing prior to rollout of initial noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in select markets including the United States, Europe and Japan.

The SpaceMobile Service has not been launched and therefore has not yet generated any revenue. We currently plan to utilize the Block 1 BB satellites to initiate a limited, noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in targeted geographical markets, including in the United States, and validate and test non-commercial government applications and seek to generate revenue from such services. Prior to initiating SpaceMobile Service in each jurisdiction, we will need to obtain regulatory approvals in each jurisdiction where we would provide such service and would need to enter into commercial agreements with MNOs relating to the offering of such service in each jurisdiction.

We received an initial license from the FCC to launch and operate the Block 1 BB satellites using S- and UHF-band frequencies to support orbit raising maneuvers and TT&C operations, and to employ the V-band for routine gateway feeder link operations. In the United States, we obtained STAs for service link operations from the FCC, under which we have begun testing in the United States employing low-band spectrum from AT&T and Verizon. We have also obtained the Special Temporary Authority in Turkey and the United Kingdom with Vodafone. Before we begin providing full commercial SpaceMobile Service, the FCC will need to grant the Modification Application, and we will need to obtain additional approvals from other regulatory authorities outside the United States.

We have entered into a space-based wireless connectivity agreement with AT&T to provide SpaceMobile Service to AT&T’s end users for use within the continental United States (excluding Alaska) and Hawaii and with Vodafone to provide SpaceMobile Services to Vodafone’s end users for use outside the United States. We plan to enter into a commercial agreement with Verizon in the United States. We are also expanding our efforts on ground infrastructure development for commercial readiness and integrating our SpaceMobile Service into the MNOs’ infrastructure to initiate commercial services.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2024, we have recognized revenue from completion of performance obligations under agreements with prime contractors for the U.S. government and expect to continue to recognize revenue as and when we complete the remaining performance obligations under the agreements. In 2024, we generated revenue from the resale of gateway equipment and associated services to MNOs. We believe initiation of limited, noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service, as well as completing the milestones under the agreements with prime contractors for the U.S. government, will help to demonstrate the advantages of our satellite-based Cellular Broadband service in the market. These market activities will commence while we continue the development and testing of the next generation of commercial BB satellites.

Our next generation of commercial BB satellites, “Block 2 BB satellites,” featuring up to approximately 2,400 square feet communication array, the largest communication array to be ever deployed in a LEO for commercial use and more than three times bigger than the communication array of the Block 1 BB satellites in orbit today, are designed to deliver up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of the Block 1 BB satellites. We believe the larger aperture array is expected to provide greater spectrum reuse, enhanced signal strength and increased capacity, thereby reducing the necessary number of satellites to achieve service coverage as compared to smaller apertures. In addition, when we introduce our own AST5000 ASIC chip in the Block 2 BB satellites, we expect to achieve materially greater throughput capacity of up to 40 MHz per beam to support 120 Mbps peak data rates and up to 10,000 MHz of processing bandwidth per Block 2 BB satellite, require less power and offer a lower overall unit cost. We have reached key production milestones and are in initial production phase of the first batch of the ASIC chip. Until we introduce our ASIC chip in Block 2 BB satellites, we expect to continue to manufacture and launch Block 2 BB satellites that are based on a Field Programmable Gate Arrays (“FPGA”) chip.

We have entered into launch agreements with multiple launch service providers which will enable us to commence a planned launch campaign during 2025 and 2026 to launch approximately 60 Block 2 BB satellites. We have commenced assembling and testing the Block 2 BB satellites in accordance with our plan to meet this launch campaign to enable Continuous SpaceMobile Service coverage across key markets such as the United States, Europe, Japan and other strategic markets as well as to facilitate U.S. government applications. We expect to ship the first next-generation Block 2 BB satellite to the launch provider by the end of April 2025 for a launch estimated to occur shortly thereafter, which will commence our launch campaign of approximately 60

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Block 2 BB satellites in 2025 through 2026. The timing of shipment of the first Block 2 BB satellite is contingent on a number of factors including satisfactory and timely completion of the assembly and testing of the Block 2 BB satellite, regulatory approvals for the launch, readiness of the launch vehicle, logistics and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

We are developing a phased satellite deployment plan and corresponding commercial launch plan of the SpaceMobile Service based on targeted geographical areas to provide the SpaceMobile Service to the most commercially attractive MNO markets. This prioritization of coverage is designed to minimize the capital required to initiate and operate commercial service that generates cash flows from operating activities sooner. We expect that such a successful commercial service would enable us to attract additional capital to continue to assemble and launch additional BB satellites to expand our capacity and geographic coverage area, although there can be no assurance that such capital would be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

We plan to achieve noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in the selected, targeted geographical markets with the launch and operation of a total of 25 BB satellites (five Block 1 BB satellites and 20 Block 2 BB satellites). We believe the operation of a constellation of 25 BB satellites will enable us to potentially generate cash flows from operating activities to further support the buildup of the remaining constellation. We believe we can enable Continuous SpaceMobile Service coverage across key markets such as the United States, Europe, Japan and other strategic markets with the launch and operation of a total of approximately 45 to 60 BB satellites, and achieve Continuous SpaceMobile Service in all targeted geographical markets to meet our long term business goals with the launch and operation of a total of approximately 90 BB satellites. We anticipate launching and deploying additional satellites beyond the initial 90 satellites in order to enhance coverage and system capacity in response to incremental market demand. Continuous coverage is not expected to be available at all times in certain areas due to numerous factors, including number of active satellites in the region, latitude coverage range, and other factors. Our current plan is subject to numerous uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including satisfactory and timely completion of assembly and testing of the satellites, regulatory approvals, readiness of launch vehicles, availability of launch windows by the launch providers, logistics, our ability to raise additional capital for manufacturing of satellites and launch payments, proposed orbits and resulting satellite coverage, launch costs, ability to enter into agreements with MNOs and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We may adopt a strategy for commercial launch of the SpaceMobile Service, including the nature and type of services offered and the geographic markets where we may launch such services, that may differ materially from our current plan.

We are an early stage company and, as such, we are subject to all of the risks associated with early stage companies. Please refer to Risk Factors contained in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in the Annual Report.

Recent Developments

Strategic Transaction

On January 5, 2025, AST & Science, LLC (“AST LLC”) entered into a binding agreement (“Strategic Collaboration Term Sheet”) with Ligado under which we will receive long-term access to up to 45 MHz of lower mid-band spectrum in the United States and Canada for direct-to-device satellite applications. The Strategic Collaboration Term Sheet was entered into as part of the restructuring of Ligado, which together with certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on January 5, 2025. The transactions contemplated in the Strategic Collaboration Term Sheet (collectively, the “Ligado Transaction”) are subject to the approval of the bankruptcy court. Upon execution of definitive documentation, Ligado will receive approximately 4.7 million penny warrants exercisable into shares of our Class A common stock, subject to a 12-month lock-up. Upon closing of the Ligado Transaction, which will be subject to receipt of satisfactory regulatory approvals required for the proposed use of the spectrum, and other closing conditions, Ligado will receive additional consideration of approximately $550.0 million. To support this consideration, we received a $550.0 million institutional financing commitment, to finance a planned wholly owned special-purpose vehicle in the form of a non-recourse senior-secured delayed-draw term loan facility, subject to satisfactory diligence and customary closing conditions. Upon closing of the Ligado Transaction, we would also pay approximately $80.0 million annually for spectrum usage rights and provide Ligado with long-term net revenue sharing rights.

No assurance can be provided that the Ligado Transaction will be consummated or that the related financing will be disbursed. The Ligado Transaction and the disbursement of the related financing are subject to a number of conditions, including the entry into definitive documentation and the satisfaction of the closing conditions to be specified in such definitive documentation. In addition, Ligado’s ongoing bankruptcy proceedings present risks that the Ligado Transaction will not be consummated, including the risk that the Ligado Transaction will be abandoned before definitive documentation can either be achieved or approved by the bankruptcy court. Moreover, even if the Ligado Transaction is consummated, the benefits of the Ligado Transaction will be subject to, among other things, integration, technology and regulatory risks. The Ligado Transaction will significantly increase our indebtedness (though any debt incurred pursuant to our $550.0 million financing commitment will be non-recourse) and annual required cash spend.

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Conversion of the 2034 Convertible Notes

On January 22, 2025, we notified the holders of the 2034 Convertible Notes that we exercised our option to require all of such notes to be converted into shares of Class A Common Stock. As of January 22, 2025, the principal amount of the 2034 Convertible Notes to be converted plus accrued interest was approximately $148.5 million, which was convertible into 25,818,541 shares of our Class A Common Stock. As of the date of this Annual Report, $104.9 million of the principal amount of the 2034 Convertible Notes has been converted into 18,238,272 shares of our Class A Common Stock and issued; the remaining $43.6 million of the principal amount of the 2034 Convertible Notes will be converted into 7,580,269 shares of our Class A Common Stock and issued as promptly as practicable, subject to receipt of certain required governmental approvals.

2032 Convertible Notes

On January 27, 2025, we issued $460.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2032 (the “2032 Convertible Notes”), including the exercise in full of the option granted to the initial purchasers to purchase up to $60.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes. The 2032 Convertible Notes are our senior, unsecured obligations and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.25% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2025. The 2032 Convertible Notes will mature on March 1, 2032, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed, or converted. The 2032 Convertible Notes are convertible at the option of the holders under certain circumstances. Upon conversion, we will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of our Class A Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of our Class A Common Stock, at our election. Refer to Note 15 Subsequent Events in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

Capped Calls

On January 27, 2025, in connection with the issuance of the 2032 Convertible Notes, we entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the “Capped Calls”) with certain financial institutions at a cost of approximately $44.5 million. The Capped Calls cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying the 2032 Convertible Notes. The Capped Calls have an initial strike price of approximately $26.99 per share and an initial cap price of $44.98 per share, which are subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the Capped Calls.

SDA Agreement

On February 25, 2025, a subsidiary of ours entered a new contract award with the United States Space Development Agency (“SDA”) through a prime contractor with total expected revenue of $43.0 million for the subsidiary to provide certain testing services utilizing our next generation Block 2 BB satellites.

Impact of Global Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Conflicts

We continue to closely monitor the impact of macroeconomic conditions, including heightened inflation, changes to fiscal and monetary policies, higher interest rates, volatility in the capital markets, supply chain challenges, imposition of tariffs and geopolitical conflicts on all aspects of our business across geographies, including how it has and may continue to impact our operations, workforce, suppliers, and our ability to raise additional capital to fund operating and capital expenditures.

Changes in the prices of satellite materials due to inflation, supply chain challenges, and other macroeconomic factors may affect our capital costs estimates to build and launch the satellite constellation and adversely affect our financial condition. The extent of impact of these factors on our business will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time. To date, these factors have not had a material impact to our technology development efforts or results of our operations. However, if macroeconomic conditions deteriorate or there are unforeseen developments, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

We operate from multiple locations that include our corporate headquarters and 194,000 square feet AIT facilities in Texas where the final AIT is performed, engineering and development centers in the United States, India and Scotland, and engineering, development and production centers in Spain and Israel. While the recently announced tariffs on products manufactured in several jurisdictions have not had a material impact to our operations, the U.S. government may in the future announce, reimpose or increase tariffs on other jurisdictions which may have a material impact to our technology development efforts or results of our operations. Our operations in Israel constitute approximately 1% of our consolidated total assets and approximately 10% of our consolidated total operating expenses. To date, our operations in Israel have not been materially impacted by the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. We currently do not expect potential interruptions to our operations in Israel to have a material impact on the Company.

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Factors Affecting Comparability of Our Future Results of Operations to Our Historical Results of Operations

Our historical financial performance has been, and we expect our financial performance in the future to be, driven by our ability to execute on our strategy. We believe that our future results of operations could differ materially from the historical results of operations as we initiate the limited, noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in certain targeted geographical markets, secure additional contracts with the U.S. government or its prime contractors for non-commercial use of our BB satellites, complete the development of the Block 2 BB satellites, increase our capacity and scale to manufacture BB satellites for the planned launches, launch the Block 2 BB satellites, and enter into commercial arrangements with additional MNOs.

Components of Results of Operations

Revenues

To date, we have not generated any revenues from our SpaceMobile Service and do not expect to generate revenue until we launch the SpaceMobile Service. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recognized $4.4 million of revenue, of which $3.9 million was from performance obligations completed under agreements with prime contractors for U.S. government contracts and $0.5 million was from resale of gateway equipment to a mobile network operator. We expect to continue to recognize revenue under these agreements with prime contractors for U.S. government contracts as and when we complete the remaining performance obligations. We currently plan to initiate a limited, noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in targeted geographical markets in 2025, including in the United States, subject to obtaining additional regulatory approvals and executing definitive agreements with additional MNOs, and seek to generate revenue from such service.

Engineering Services Costs

Engineering services costs are charged to expense as incurred. Engineering services costs consist primarily of the cost of employees and consultants involved in designing and developing the BB satellites, managing the network and satellite operations centers, and indirectly supporting the assembly, integration and testing of the BB satellites, license cost, and general expenses related to AIT facilities and engineering development centers.

General and Administrative Costs

General and administrative costs include the costs of insurance, cost of non-engineering personnel and personnel related expenses, software licensing and subscriptions, office and facilities expenses, investor relations, and professional services, including public relations, accounting and legal fees.

Research and Development Costs

R&D costs are charged to expense as incurred. R&D costs consist principally of development activities in which we typically engage third-party vendors for the design and development of electronic componentry, software, and mechanical deployment systems, and are largely driven by the achievement of milestones that trigger payments and costs of materials and supplies consumed in the development activities. R&D costs are expected to fluctuate quarter over quarter depending on achievement of milestones.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense includes depreciation expense related to property and equipment including the Block 1 BB satellites. We began depreciating the Block 1 BB satellites as of October 29, 2024 over their expected remaining useful lives of approximately 60 months.

(Loss) Gain on Remeasurement of Warrant Liabilities

Private Placement Warrants issued by us are accounted for as liability-classified instruments at their initial fair value on the date of issuance. They are remeasured on each balance sheet date and changes in the estimated fair value are recognized as an unrealized gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations.

Interest Expense

Interest expense consists of cash interest payments and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with our debt arrangements.

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Interest Income

Interest income consists of interest earned on cash and cash equivalents held in interest bearing demand deposit accounts.

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net primarily consists of non-operating expense and income, including foreign exchange gains or losses.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

Loss on extinguishment of debt consists of payment of exit fee and call premium and expensing of remaining unamortized debt issuance costs upon settlement of our senior secured facility loan.

Income Tax Expense

AST LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Accordingly, all income, losses, and other tax attributes pass through to the members’ income tax returns, and no U.S. federal and state and local provision for income taxes has been recorded for AST LLC in the consolidated financial statements. Certain foreign wholly-owned entities are taxed as corporations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, and accruals for such taxes are included in the consolidated financial statements.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest primarily represents the equity interest in AST LLC held by members other than us. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, noncontrolling interest in AST LLC was approximately 30.1% and 58.7%, respectively. The decrease in noncontrolling interest percentage during the year ended December 31, 2024 was a result of the issuance of Class A Common Stock under the January 2024 Common Stock Offering, the 2022 Equity Distribution Agreement, the 2024 Equity Distribution Agreement, the exercises of Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants, the redemption of AST LLC Common Units in exchange for Class A Common Stock, the exercise of options for Class A Common Stock and the vesting of our restricted stock units.

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Results of Operations

We report our results of operations under one operating segment. The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands) and the discussion that follows compares the year ended December 31, 2024 to the year ended December 31, 2023.

* Percentage greater than or equal to 100 or not meaningful

Revenues

Revenues during the year ended December 31, 2024 were attributable to completion of performance obligations under agreements with prime contractors for U.S. government contracts and from resale of gateway equipment to a mobile network operator. We had no such revenues in the year ended December 31, 2023.

Engineering Services Costs

Total engineering services costs increased by $14.7 million, or 19%, to $93.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to a $10.0 million increase in payroll and employee related costs largely driven by an increase in stock-based compensation expenses due to milestones bonuses paid upon achievement of certain milestones, an increase of $3.8 million in AIT facilities and activities and engineering development centers costs including managing mission operations and ground infrastructure and an increase of $0.9 million in travel expenses.

General and Administrative Costs

Total general and administrative costs increased by $20.0 million, or 48%, to $61.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was driven by an increase of $14.9 million in stock-based compensation expense and other employee related costs, an increase of $3.5 million in professional services, a $1.1 million increase in office and facilities expenses and a $0.5 million increase is travel expenses and other miscellaneous expenses.

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Research and Development Costs

Total R&D costs decreased by $18.7 million, or 39%, to $28.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in R&D costs was driven by substantially completing the design and development of the initial configuration of the Block 2 BB satellites, completion of certain milestones related to the development of ground infrastructure programs for commercial readiness, and overall completion and launch of the Block 1 BB satellites. While overall R&D costs decreased, expenses related to our ASIC chip increased due to the completion of bring-up of our ASIC chip, which is the first stage of confirming our ASIC chip is working properly and ready for use in the ASIC configuration of the Block 2 BB satellites.

Depreciation and Amortization

Total depreciation and amortization expense increased by $8.9 million, or 16%, to $63.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to commencing depreciation of the Block 1 BB satellites from October 29, 2024 and additional depreciation from asset additions in 2024 to support accelerated satellite testing and manufacturing.

(Loss) Gain on Remeasurement of Warrant Liabilities

The increase in fair value of warrant liabilities at the time of warrant exercises and the fair value adjustment for Private Placement Warrants outstanding at December 31, 2024 resulted in a loss of $268.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the gain of $9.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in loss was due to a significant increase in our share price.

Interest Expense

Total interest expense increased by $14.2 million to $18.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by a higher debt balance in 2024.

Interest Income

Total interest income increased by $7.0 million, or 97%, to $14.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was driven by a higher cash and cash equivalents balance held in interest bearing short-term money market funds.

Other Income (Expense), net

Total other income (expense), net was $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to $(10.3) million in the year ended December 31, 2023. The net change of $12.2 million was primarily due to a nonrecurring $10.0 million payment made under a contractual agreement recognized in 2023, an increase of $3.9 million in non-operating income and an increase of $0.4 million in foreign exchange gain, partially offset by a $2.1 million increase in loss on disposal of fixed assets.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

Loss on extinguishment of debt of $11.0 million was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2024 related to payment of exit fee, call premium and remaining unamortized debt issuance costs on our Senior Secured Credit Facility.

Income Tax Expense

The provision for income taxes was $1.3 million and $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The consolidated effective tax rates for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were (0%) and (1%), respectively. Refer to Note 13 Income Taxes in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest was $226.2 million and $135.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively. This increase in net loss correlates with the increase in net loss generated at AST LLC given the noncontrolling interest represents a portion of such net loss, partially offset by the decrease in noncontrolling interest’s ownership percentage in AST LLC.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our current sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents on hand and access to the 2024 ATM Equity Program (as described below). As of December 31, 2024, we had $567.5 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand, including $2.5 million of restricted cash. In January 2025, we raised net proceeds of $10.4 million from the sale of shares of our Class A Common Stock under the 2024 ATM Equity Program and $401.8 million from the issuance of the 2032 Convertible Notes (as described below) after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us and paying the cost of the capped call hedge. We believe our cash and cash equivalents on hand and our ability to raise capital through access to the 2024 ATM Equity Program will be sufficient to meet our current working capital needs, planned operating expenses and capital expenditures for a period of the next 12 months from the date of this Annual Report.

The design, assembly, integration, testing and launch of satellites and related ground infrastructure is capital intensive. We had incurred approximately $121.0 million, an increase of less than 2.0% over the previous estimate of $119.0 million, in direct materials and launch costs in connection with the Block 1 BB satellites in orbit today. We continue to estimate the average capital costs, consisting of direct materials and launch costs, for a constellation of 90 Block 2 BB satellites to be approximately $19.0 million to $21.0 million per satellite, with initial launches higher than that range and trending down over time as we optimize payloads and launch terms. The estimated average capital cost per Block 2 BB satellite is based on securing future launch contracts with more favorable terms, diversifying our supply chain to include cost-effective and low-cost suppliers, cost reductions due to the benefits of economies of scale, continuous process improvements, and other factors. If we are unable to achieve the supply chain diversifications, cost reductions, process improvements, and secure favorable future launch contracts, the average capital cost of the Block 2 BB satellites will be higher and such variations could be material.

We believe we need to launch and operate a total of 25 BB satellites (five Block 1 BB satellites and 20 Block 2 BB satellites) in order to provide coverage to the most commercially attractive MNO markets and potentially generate cash flow from operating activities. As of the date of this Annual Report, we believe that we are fully funded for operating expenses and capital expenditures necessary to design, manufacture, and launch 20 Block 2 BB satellites and operate a constellation of 25 BB satellites. We believe the operation of a constellation of 25 BB satellites will enable us to secure additional sources of financing, including potentially generating cash flows from operating activities to help fund the buildup of the remaining constellation along with our cash on hand that we have begun to deploy in support of manufacturing up to 40 Block 2 BB satellites. Our launch agreements with multiple launch providers enable us to commence a planned launch campaign during 2025 and 2026 to launch approximately 60 Block 2 BB satellites. Subject to our ability to raise additional capital, this provides us with a flexible option to opportunistically accelerate the buildup of the constellation of approximately 65 BB satellites (five Block 1 BB satellites and 60 Block 2 BB satellites) to enable Continuous SpaceMobile Service coverage across key markets such as the United States, Europe, Japan and other strategic markets as well as to facilitate U.S. government applications.

We evaluate our market, product and coverage plans based upon the attractiveness of certain markets, our technology, regulatory concerns and our access to capital and other resources. We believe we can develop satellite configurations that target delivering service to certain attractive markets without the necessity of building a constellation which covers the entire globe. This modularity of our satellite configuration enables us to alter the timing and size of our satellite roll out and provides us flexibility to dynamically change our market plans and capital requirements. As a result, we believe we have the ability to accelerate or slow down our business plan depending upon the availability of capital to support our strategies.

We plan to raise additional capital through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities (secured or unsecured), secured or unsecured loans or other debt facilities, and credit from government or financial institutions or commercial partners. Our ability to access the capital markets during this period of volatility may require us to modify our current expectations. There can be no assurance that additional funds will be available to us on favorable terms or at all. If we cannot raise additional funds when needed in the future, our financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

Commitments

We have contractual obligations, including non-cancellable operating leases, with terms expiring through November 2033.Future minimum annual rental payments required under these operating lease agreements as of December 31, 2024 is presented within Note 5 Leases in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

We have long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2024 consisting of the 2034 Convertible Notes, a capital equipment loan and a term loan (described below). The aggregate future contractual maturities of the long-term debt are presented within Note 7 Debt in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. On January 22, 2025, we exercised our option to convert the 2034 Convertible Notes into shares of Class A Common Stock. As of January 22, 2025, the principal amount of the 2034

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Convertible Notes to be converted plus accrued interest was approximately $148.5 million, which was convertible into 25,818,541 shares of our Class A Common Stock. As of the date of this Annual Report, $104.9 million of the principal amount of the 2034 Convertible Notes has been converted into 18,238,272 shares of our Class A Common Stock and issued; the remaining $43.6 million of the principal amount of the 2034 Convertible Notes will be converted into 7,580,269 shares of our Class A Common Stock and issued as promptly as practicable, subject to receipt of certain required governmental approvals. Our obligation under the 2034 Convertible Notes is automatically cancelled upon the issuance of the shares resulting from the conversion of the 2034 Convertible Notes.

On January 27, 2025, we issued $460.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2032 Convertible Notes, which bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.25% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2025. The following table summarizes the contractual minimum principal and interest payments required on the 2032 Convertible Notes (in thousands):

Also, as of December 31, 2024, we had contractual commitments with third parties in the aggregate amount of $193.6 million related to procurement of BB satellite components, R&D programs, capital improvements and future launch payments for Block 2 BB satellites under certain launch agreements. We expect these commitments to increase in the future periods as we accelerate the procurement of satellite components for Block 2 BB satellites and when contingencies for the launch installment payments will be resolved. In accordance with certain launch agreements, launch payments are contingent upon launch providers meeting certain milestones as defined in the agreements. If the launch providers do not meet these milestones, we have rights to cancel launches or terminate the agreement without incurring a fee. The minimum commitments under these launch agreements are approximately $150.0 - $160.0 million.

2022 Equity Distribution Agreement

On September 8, 2022, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “2022 Sales Agreement” or “2022 ATM Equity Program”) with Evercore Group L.L.C. and B. Riley Securities, Inc. (collectively, the “agents”) to sell shares of our Class A Common Stock having an aggregate sales price of up to $150.0 million through an “at the market offering” program under which the agents acted as sales agents. The agents were entitled to total compensation at a commission rate of up to 3.0% of the gross sales price per share sold. The 2022 ATM Equity Program was fully utilized as of July 15, 2024. Proceeds from the sale of our Class A Common Stock under the Sales Agreement were used for general corporate purposes.

June 2023 Common Stock Offering

On June 30, 2023, we issued 12,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in a public offering and received proceeds of $56.6 million, net of transaction costs of $0.3 million. Proceeds from the sale of our Class A Common Stock under the June 2023 Common Stock Offering were used for general corporate purposes.

January 2024 Common Stock Offering

On January 23, 2024, we issued 32,258,064 shares of Class A Common Stock in a public offering and received proceeds of $93.6 million, net of underwriting commissions of $6.0 million and transaction costs of $0.4 million. We provided a 30-day option to the underwriting agent to purchase up to an additional 4,838,709 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Option Shares”) from us on the same terms and conditions, which was exercised in full resulting in proceeds of $14.1 million, net of underwriting commissions of $0.9 million. Proceeds from the sale of our Class A common stock under the January 2024 Common Stock Offering were used for general corporate purposes.

2024 Equity Distribution Agreement

On September 5, 2024, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “2024 Sales Agreement” or “2024 ATM Equity Program”) with B. Riley Securities, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., BofA Securities, Inc., Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Roth Capital Partners, LLC, Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and UBS Securities LLC (collectively, the “agents”) to sell shares of the Class A Common Stock having an aggregate sale price of up to $400.0 million through an “at the market offering”

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program under which the agents act as sales agents. The agents are entitled to total compensation at a commission rate of up to 3.0% of the gross sales price per share sold. Under the 2024 Sales Agreement, we issued 8,767,208 shares of our Class A Common Stock during the three months ended December 31, 2024, and received proceeds of $207.8 million, net of commissions paid to the agents and transaction costs. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, we paid commission of $5.3 million to the agents with respect to such sales and incurred initial transaction costs of $0.1 million. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we issued 12,678,261 shares of our Class A Common Stock, and received proceeds of $314.7 million, net of commissions paid to the agents and transaction costs. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we paid commission of $8.1 million to the agents with respect to such sales and incurred initial transaction costs of $0.5 million. Proceeds from the sale of the Class A Common Stock under the 2024 Sales Agreement were and are expected to continue to be used for general corporate purposes. As of the date of this Annual Report, we have approximately $66.0 million available under the 2024 ATM Equity Program.

Term loan

In December 2021, concurrent with the purchase of real property and equipment in Midland, Texas, our wholly-owned subsidiary, AST & Science Texas, LLC (“AST Texas”), entered into a credit agreement with Lone Star State Bank of West Texas (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) providing for a $5.0 million term loan secured by the property. Borrowings under the term loan bear interest at a fixed rate equal to 4.20% per annum until December 7, 2026, and from December 8, 2026 until December 8, 2028 at a fixed rate per annum equal to 4.20% plus adjustment if the index rate (as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement) is greater than 4.20%, subject to a maximum interest rate of 4.90% per annum.

The Term Loan Credit Agreement contains certain customary events of default, and certain covenants that limit AST Texas’ ability to, among other things, create liens on collateral, consolidate, merge, sell, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets; and enter into certain transactions with their affiliates. If AST Texas fails to perform its obligations under these and other covenants, or should any event of default occur, the term loan may be terminated and any outstanding borrowings, together with unpaid accrued interest, could be declared immediately due and payable, and the lender will be authorized to take possession of the collateral.

Senior secured credit facility

On August 14, 2023, we entered into a senior secured term loan credit agreement with ACP Post Oak Credit II LLC as administrative agent and collateral agent and Atlas Credit Partners, LLC (“Atlas”) as lender and borrowed $48.5 million upon closing (the “Atlas Credit Agreement”). We received proceeds of $37.2 million, net of debt issuance costs of $9.5 million and deposit of $1.8 million into an interest reserve escrow account. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes as permitted under the Atlas Credit Agreement.

The initial borrowing of $48.5 million accrued interest at a fixed rate equal to the three-month secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) as of the closing date plus 9.625% per annum equal to 14.75% (the “Atlas Fixed Rate”), payable on the last business day of each fiscal quarter. On November 13, 2024, we repaid the principal amount, including the exit fee, call premium and accrued interest aggregating to approximately $54.9 million and terminated the senior secured facility loan.

Capital equipment loan

On August 14, 2023, we entered into a loan agreement with Lone Star State Bank of West Texas (“Lone Star”) as lender, providing for $15.0 million principal term loan commitment secured by certain real property fixtures and equipment in one of our Texas facilities (the “Lone Star Loan Agreement”).

Borrowings accrue interest at the Prime Rate plus 0.75%, subject to a ceiling rate. Interest payments are due and payable on a monthly basis. Interest payments began in September 2023 and principal payments will begin in April 2025. Principal repayments are thereafter due in 48 equal monthly installments until January 2029, the maturity date of the loan. In connection with the Lone Star Loan Agreement, we deposited a cash balance of $15.0 million in the Lone Star Bank Money Market Fund. This cash balance will be converted to restricted cash if we fail to maintain a consolidated balance of cash and cash equivalents of at least $75.0 million. This restricted cash will be used to offset against the term loan obligations if we fail to maintain a consolidated balance of cash and cash equivalents of at least $50.0 million. In addition, the Lone Star Loan Agreement includes certain customary affirmative and negative covenants.

We drew the entire $15.0 million facility on September 19, 2023 and incurred $0.1 million of transaction costs. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.

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Convertible Security Investment Agreement

Pursuant to the Convertible Security Investment Agreement which we entered into with certain investors, we issued subordinated convertible notes (“2034 Convertible Notes”) for an aggregate principal amount of $110.0 million on January 16, 2024 to AT&T, Google, and Vodafone, and for an aggregate principal amount of $35.0 million on May 23, 2024 to Verizon. The Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 30 of each year, beginning on June 30, 2024. We have the option to pay interest on the Convertible Notes in cash or in kind. We elected to pay interest on the 2034 Convertible Notes in kind on June 30, 2024, resulting in the principal amount of the 2034 Convertible Notes being increased by approximately $3.0 million. Interest will accrue on such increased principal amount in subsequent interest periods. We elected to pay interest on the 2034 Convertible Notes in cash on December 30, 2024. The AT&T, Google and Vodafone Convertible Notes have a 10-year term unless earlier converted and the Verizon Convertible Notes have a 9 years and 9 months term unless earlier converted. The net proceeds of the Convertible Notes were used for general corporate purposes.

On January 22, 2025, we notified the holders of the 2034 Convertible Notes that we exercised our option to require all of such notes to be converted into shares of Class A Common Stock. As of January 22, 2025, the principal amount of the 2034 Convertible Notes to be converted plus accrued interest was approximately $148.5 million, which was convertible into 25,818,541 shares of our Class A Common Stock. As of the date of this Annual Report, $104.9 million of the principal amount of the 2034 Convertible Notes has been converted into 18,238,272 shares of our Class A Common Stock and issued; the remaining $43.6 million of the principal amount of the 2034 Convertible Notes will be converted into 7,580,269 shares of our Class A Common Stock and issued as promptly as practicable, subject to receipt of certain required governmental approvals.

2032 Convertible Notes

On January 27, 2025, we issued $460.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2032 Convertible Notes, including the exercise in full of the option granted to the initial purchasers to purchase up to $60.0 million aggregate principal amount of notes. The 2032 Convertible Notes are our senior, unsecured obligations and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.25% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, beginning on September 1, 2025. The 2032 Convertible Notes will mature on March 1, 2032, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed, or converted. The 2032 Convertible Notes are convertible at the option of the holders under certain circumstances. Upon conversion, we will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of our Class A Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of our Class A Common Stock, at our election. The net proceeds of the 2032 Convertible Notes were $446.3 million after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and commissions and the estimated offering expenses payable by us. We used approximately $44.5 million of the net proceeds to pay the cost of the Capped Calls. The remaining net proceeds were and are expected to continue to be used for working capital or other general corporate purposes, which may include other strategic transactions.

Refer to Note 7 Debt in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information on our outstanding debt. For more information on the 2032 Convertible Notes, see Note 15 Subsequent Events in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Commercial Prepayments

On May 23, 2024, AST LLC and Verizon entered into a Memorandum of Understanding which provides, among other things, that Verizon will make (i) an initial $20.0 million commercial payment for prepaid service revenue, creditable against future service revenue of AST LLC and (ii) a second $45.0 million commercial payment for prepaid service revenue, creditable against future service revenue of AST LLC, subject to us receiving certain regulatory approvals for our SpaceMobile Service and entry into a definitive commercial agreement. We received the initial $20.0 million prepayment from Verizon and recognized it as contract liabilities. Refer to Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

On May 10, 2024, AST LLC and AT&T entered into the AT&T Commercial Agreement for AST LLC to provide, and AT&T to purchase access to and utilize our network and satellite services to provide service offerings to AT&T’s end users within the continental United States (excluding Alaska) and Hawaii. AT&T will pay to AST LLC a percentage of the gross monthly revenue AT&T bills to its end users for the services enabled by the satellite services. In addition, with the launch and successful initial operation of the Block 1 BB satellites, we received a $20.0 million non-refundable commercial payment from AT&T, credited against AST LLC’s future share of gross monthly revenue. We recognized the prepayment as contract liabilities. Refer to Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information. The AT&T Commercial Agreement expires on December 31, 2030, subject to auto-renewal for successive two-year periods unless either party terminates in accordance with the terms of the AT&T Commercial Agreement.

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Cash Flows

Historical Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

Operating activities

Cash used in operating activities was $126.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to cash used in operating activities of $148.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The $22.8 million decrease in cash used in operating activities was attributable to a decrease of $14.7 million in expenses to support operations and a decrease of $8.1 million in working capital during the year ended December 31, 2024.

Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities was $174.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to cash used in investing activities of $118.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The $55.3 million increase in cash used in investing activities was entirely attributable to an increase in purchases of property and equipment, including procurement of BB satellite materials and advance launch payments.

Financing activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $780.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, as compared to cash provided by financing activities of $116.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The $663.3 million increase in cash provided by financing activities was attributable to a $476.0 million increase in net proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock from public offerings and under the ATM Equity Programs, a $153.6 million increase in proceeds from exercise of Public Warrants, an additional $81.8 million in net proceeds from the issuance of debt, and a $0.4 million net increase in proceeds from issuance of stock-based compensation awards, partially offset by an increase in debt repayments of $48.5 million.

Funding Requirements

We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024, funds raised in January 2025 and access to the 2024 ATM Equity Program will be sufficient to meet anticipated cash requirements for the next 12 months from the date hereof. However, our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary materially. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could expend capital resources sooner than we expect.

Future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:

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Establishing and maintaining supply and manufacturing relationships with third parties that can provide adequate, in both amount and quality, products and services to support our satellite development;

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Technological or manufacturing and assembling difficulties, design issues or other unforeseen matters;

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Negotiation of launch agreements (including launch costs), launch delays or failures, deployment failures, or in-orbit satellite failures;

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Seeking and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals;

•
Timing of the launch of our satellites and subsequent initiation of service in various markets, delays in which will result in increased operating expenses;

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•
Addressing any competing technological and market developments;

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Ability to adjust our expenditures and contractual commitments based on capital availability;

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Ability to operate under the covenants in our debt agreements; and

•
Attracting, hiring, and retaining qualified personnel.

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial revenues to support our cost structure, we expect to finance cash needs through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities (secured or unsecured), secured or unsecured loans or other debt facilities, and credit from government or financial institutions or commercial partners. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of stockholders will be, or could be, diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of common stockholders. Debt financing and equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise funds through commercial agreements, or other similar arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies and/or future revenue streams, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us and/or may reduce the value of our common stock. Also, our ability to raise necessary financing could be impacted by recent geopolitical events, higher interest rates and inflationary economic conditions and their effects on the market conditions. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity offerings, debt financings or commercial arrangements when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market other services even if we would otherwise prefer to develop and market these services ourselves, or potentially discontinue operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). Preparation of the financial statements requires our management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amount of revenue and expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We consider an accounting judgment, estimate or assumption to be critical when (1) the estimate or assumption is complex in nature or requires a high degree of judgment and (2) the use of different judgments, estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Our critical accounting policies are described below.

Property and Equipment

We design and self-construct the BB satellites intended to be used to provide SpaceMobile Service to customers. The BB satellites are not intended to be held for sale in the ordinary course of business. The costs incurred to complete the design is expensed as incurred. The cost incurred to complete the construction is capitalized as property and equipment. The cost of self-constructed BB satellite assets consists of direct materials, direct labor, launch costs and other direct costs attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition and desired location for the intended use. Costs incurred, including direct materials purchased, launch payments made, direct labor costs and overheads such as launch insurance and satellite transportation costs to the launch site, until the completion of the construction and launch of the BB satellites, are reported as satellite materials, satellites under construction, and advance launch payments within construction-in-progress. Once launched in orbit, the costs of the BB satellites are reported as satellites in orbit and depreciation of the satellites commences once the BB satellites are ready for their intended use.

We capitalize the costs of the test satellites if there is an alternative future use for the test satellites. We capitalize only those expenditures and ancillary costs that are directly attributable to assembly and testing and necessarily incurred to place the test satellites into their intended location and use. These costs include materials costs, launch cost, and other non-recurring costs directly associated with the development of the test satellites. The other non-recurring costs primarily include third-party vendors who are hired solely for the design, assembly, and testing of the test satellite and are responsible for the value and progression of the project. The costs for internal, recurrent engineering employees and consultants are expensed as engineering services costs and not capitalized to the cost of the test satellites, as these employees are not directly associated with the development of the test satellites.

Warrant Liabilities

We account for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). Our assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments

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pursuant to ASC 480, whether they meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to our own common stock and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of our control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period-end date while the warrants are outstanding.

For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, they are recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. Issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification are recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance and subject to remeasurement each balance sheet date with changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants to be recognized as an unrealized gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important in the determination of an impairment include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner that we use the acquired asset and significant negative industry or economic trends.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2024.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Except as otherwise noted or where the context requires otherwise, references in this report (the “Annual Report”) to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to AST SpaceMobile, Inc. and references to our “management” or our “management team” refer to our officers and directors.

The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes contained therein. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “dollars” and “$” in this Annual Report are to, and all monetary amounts in this Annual Report are presented in, U.S. dollars.

Overview

We are building the first and only global Cellular Broadband network in space to be accessible directly by everyday smartphones (2G/4G-LTE/5G devices) for commercial use, and other applications for government use utilizing our extensive intellectual property (“IP”) and patent portfolio. Our SpaceMobile Service is being designed to provide cost-effective, high-speed Cellular Broadband services to end-users who are out of terrestrial cellular coverage using existing mobile devices. The SpaceMobile Service currently is planned to be provided by a constellation of high-powered, large phased-array satellites in Low Earth Orbit (“LEO”) using low band and middle band spectrum controlled by Mobile Network Operators (“MNOs”). We are headquartered in Texas where we operate 185,000 square feet satellite assembly, integrating and testing (“AIT”) facilities. Our IP portfolio is diverse, containing numerous and various innovations of the direct-to-cell satellite ecosystem from space to Earth. Our IP portfolio consists of 36 patent families worldwide. As of December 31, 2023, we had more than 3,350 patent and patent pending claims worldwide, of which approximately 1,050 have been officially granted or allowed.

We intend to work with MNOs to offer the SpaceMobile Service to the MNOs’ end-user customers. Our vision is that users will not need to subscribe to the SpaceMobile Service directly through us, nor will they need to purchase any new or additional equipment. Instead, users will be able to access the SpaceMobile Service when prompted on their mobile device that they are no longer within range of the land-based facilities of the MNO operator or will be able to purchase a plan directly with their existing mobile provider. We intend to seek to use a revenue-sharing business model for SpaceMobile Service in our agreements with MNOs.

The SpaceMobile Service is expected to be highly attractive to MNOs as it will enable them to improve and differentiate their service offering without significant incremental capital investments. The SpaceMobile Service is expected to enable MNOs to augment and extend their coverage without building towers or other land-based infrastructure, including where it is not cost-justified or is difficult due to geographical challenges. As a result of the incremental coverage created by the planned SpaceMobile Service, we believe that MNOs will have the opportunity to increase subscribers’ average revenue per user (“ARPU”).

On April 1, 2019, we launched our first test satellite, BW1, which was used to validate our satellite to cellular architecture and was capable of managing communications delays from LEO and the effects of doppler in a satellite to ground cellular environment using the 4G-LTE protocol.

We launched our BlueWalker 3 (“BW3”) test satellite on September 10, 2022, and announced the completion of the deployment of the communication phased array antenna of the BW3 test satellite in orbit on November 14, 2022. On April 25, 2023, we announced that we had successfully completed two-way voice calls directly to standard unmodified smartphones using the BW3 test satellite. On June 21, 2023, we announced that we had achieved repeated successful 4G download speeds of above 10 megabits per second (“Mbps”) to standard unmodified smartphones using the BW3 test satellite. On September 19, 2023, we announced that we had achieved repeated successful two-way voice calls directly to standard unmodified smartphones using 5G connectivity and successful download speeds of approximately 14 Mbps utilizing 5 megahertz (“Mhz”) of low band spectrum via the BW3 test satellite. We intend to continue testing capabilities of the BW3 test satellite, including further testing with cellular service providers and devices.

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We are currently in the advanced stages of assembling and testing our first generation of commercial BB satellites (“Block 1 BB satellites”). We are leveraging skills, know-how and technological expertise derived from the design and assembly of our BW3 test satellite in the development and assembly of our BB satellite platform. The Block 1 BB satellites will be of similar size and weight to the BW3 test satellite, includes our own designed array solar panels and battery systems, and will have ten times higher throughput than the BW3 test satellite. The completion of five Block 1 BB satellites has been delayed as compared to our target completion timeline due to a delay in the commencement of integration and testing of five Block 1 BB satellites. The failure by suppliers of two key subsystems to meet their contractual delivery timelines contributed to this delay. To mitigate such risks in the future and reduce our dependency on these suppliers, we have reached an agreement with the supplier of one of the subsystems and obtained a non-exclusive and worldwide license of the design and manufacturing rights of this subsystem for use in our Block 2 BB satellites. We have also replaced the supplier of the other subsystem with a new supplier with whom we have completed a new design and own the IP of this subsystem. The new supplier will manufacture and supply this subsystem for use in our Block 2 BB satellites at a cost that is expected to be materially lower than the current cost of this subsystem. We expect these subsystems to not delay the timely completion of future BB satellites.

We currently estimate we will transport the five Block 1 BB satellites from our assembly facilities to the launch site between July and August of 2024 to await a launch window. This launch window will be disclosed once a window can be agreed upon. The exact timing of the new launch schedule will be contingent on a number of factors, including satisfactory and timely completion of assembly, integrating and testing of the satellites, regulatory approvals, launch provider availability, logistics, weather conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We have a contractual right under the launch services agreement to reschedule the date of our dedicated launch, subject to the launch vehicle provider’s launch schedule availability and payment of a change fee.

The SpaceMobile Service has not been launched and therefore has not yet generated any revenue. Following the launch and deployment of five Block 1 BB satellites, we currently plan to initiate a limited, noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in targeted geographical areas, including in the United States, and seek to generate revenue from such service. We are expanding our efforts on ground infrastructure development for commercial readiness and integrating our SpaceMobile service into the MNOs’ infrastructure to enable us to initiate commercial services. Prior to initiating such service, we will need to obtain regulatory approvals in each jurisdiction where we would provide such service and would need to enter into definitive agreements with MNOs relating to the offering of such service in each jurisdiction. We expect to enter into commercial agreements with MNOs for the use of our five Block 1 BB satellites, although there can be no assurance that we will be successful in entering into these agreements on terms acceptable to us or at all. In 2024, we expect to begin generating revenue from the resale of gateway equipment and associated services to MNOs and other third parties, and from completing defined milestones under an agreement with a prime contractor for the U.S. government. We believe initiation of limited, noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service as well as completing the milestones under the agreement with a prime contractor for the U.S. government will help to demonstrate the advantages of our satellite-based Cellular Broadband service in the market. These market activities will commence while we continue the development and testing of the next generation of BB satellites.

Our next generation of commercial BB satellites (“Block 2 BB satellites”) are expected to derive greater performance through the introduction of our own AST5000 Application Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) chip, which we believe will enable materially greater throughput capacity of up to 40 MHz per beam to support 120 Mbps peak data rates and up to 10,000 MHz of processing bandwidth per Block 2 BB satellite, require less power and offer a lower overall unit cost. We have completed the design and have commenced the tape-out of our ASIC chip in March 2024. The Block 2 BB satellites are expected to be approximately 2,400 square feet in size, almost 3.5 times bigger than the Block 1 BB satellites, and will have the largest phased array ever deployed in a LEO for commercial use exceeding the phased array of the BW3 test satellite and planned Block 1 BB satellites. We believe the larger aperture array is expected to provide greater spectrum reuse, enhanced signal strength and increased capacity, thereby reducing the necessary number of satellites to achieve service coverage as compared to smaller apertures.

We continue to make progress towards the completion of the design and development of our Block 2 BB satellites. We believe we will benefit from the skills, technological expertise, and manufacturing know-how derived from the assembly and testing of our Block 1 BB satellite in the development and assembly of our Block 2 BB satellites. We began the design and development of the Block 2 BB satellites prior to the design and development of Block 1 BB satellites. We have commenced planning and procurement activities to begin the assembly, integration and testing of the Block 2 BB satellites and have entered into agreements and placed orders for procurement of materials required for manufacturing the satellite components, and subsystems required for the assembly of Block 2 BB satellites. We plan to continue to manufacture the satellite components and subsystems for Block 2 BB satellites as soon as the assembly and testing of Block 1 BB satellites are complete. The first Block 2 BB satellite will be based on a FPGA chip and future Block 2 BB satellites will use the ASIC chip. We have entered into an agreement with a launch service provider to launch the first Block 2 BB satellite. The agreement has a launch window of December 15, 2024 to March 31, 2025. The exact timing of this launch is contingent on a number of factors, including satisfactory and timely completion of the design, assembly and testing of the Block 2 BB satellite, regulatory approvals, availability of launch windows by the launch providers,

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logistics, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We have a contractual right under the launch services agreement to reschedule the date of our dedicated launch, subject to the launch vehicle provider’s launch schedule availability.

We are developing a phased satellite deployment plan and corresponding commercial launch plan of the SpaceMobile Service based on targeted geographical areas to provide the SpaceMobile Service to the most commercially attractive MNO markets. This prioritization of coverage is designed to minimize the capital required to initiate and operate commercial service that generates cash flows from operating activities sooner. We expect that such a successful commercial service would enable us to attract additional capital to continue to assemble and launch additional BB satellites to expand our capacity and geographic coverage area, although there can be no assurance that such capital would be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

We plan to achieve substantial service in the selected, targeted geographical areas with the launch and operation of 25 BB satellites and achieve substantial service in all targeted geographical areas to meet our long term business goals with the launch and operation of approximately 95 BB satellites. We anticipate launching and deploying additional satellites beyond the initial 95 satellites in order to enhance coverage and system capacity in response to incremental market demand. Our current plan is subject to numerous uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including satisfactory and timely completion of assembly and testing of the satellites, availability of launch windows by the launch providers, our ability to raise capital, proposed orbits and resulting satellite coverage, launch costs, ability to enter into agreements with MNOs, regulatory approvals, and other factors. We may adopt a strategy for commercial launch of the SpaceMobile Service, including the nature and type of services offered and the geographic areas where we may launch such services, that may differ materially from our current plan.

We are an early stage and emerging growth company and, as such, we are subject to all of the risks associated with early stage and emerging growth companies. Please refer to Risk Factors contained in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report.

Recent Developments

Convertible Security Investment Agreement

On January 16, 2024, we entered into a Convertible Security Investment Agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with AT&T, Google and Vodafone (the “Investors”) to issue subordinated convertible notes for an aggregate principal amount of $110.0 million (such notes, the “Notes” and such investments, the “Investments”) to the Investors. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears beginning on June 30, 2024, in cash or in kind at our option. The Notes have a ten-year term unless earlier converted.

The holders of the Notes (the “Holders”) may at their option convert the Notes (subject to certain exceptions) at any time on or after January 16, 2025 at an initial conversion rate of 173.9130 shares of Class A Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of $5.75 per share of Class A Common Stock). On or after January 16, 2025, we also have an option to require the Holders to convert the Notes (subject to certain exceptions) at the same initial conversion rate of 173.9130 shares of Class A Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes if the VWAP of the Class A Common Stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for 30 consecutive trading days, on the immediately succeeding trading day after the last trading day of such 30 day period. The Notes may be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain events of default and fundamental change. Refer to Note 17: Subsequent events in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

Letter Agreements

On January 16, 2024, in connection with the Investments, each of AT&T Services, Inc. (“AT&T Services”), Google and Vodafone Group Services have entered into letter agreements with us (the “Letter Agreements”).

The letter agreement between AT&T Services and us provides, among other things, that AT&T Services will make a non-refundable $20.0 million commercial payment for prepaid service revenue, creditable against our future service revenue, due after the launch and successful initial operation of the first five commercial satellites. AT&T Services also submitted a purchase order under a separate agreement for purchase of network equipment from us to support planned commercial service. Under the letter agreement, we are required to use reasonable best efforts to cause our Stockholders’ Agreement, dated April 6, 2021 to be amended such that AT&T Services shall have the right to nominate, and the parties to such Stockholders’ Agreement agree to vote for and cause the appointment of, any representative of AT&T Services that it determines in its sole discretion to (i) serve as a non-voting observer to our board of directors or (ii) serve as a director to our board of directors.

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We entered into a letter agreement with Google whereby the parties will negotiate and execute a definitive agreement to provide, among other things, certain services to each other and have agreed to collaborate on product development, testing and implementation plans for SpaceMobile network connectivity on Android devices.

The letter agreement between Vodafone Group Services and us provides, among other things, for an initial revenue commitment of $25.0 million to us to be paid by Vodafone Group Services over a two and a half year period to be defined in a future definitive agreement for us to provide connectivity services. Vodafone also submitted a purchase order for purchase of network equipment from us to support planned commercial service.

January 2024 Common Stock Offering

On January 23, 2024, we issued 32,258,064 shares of Class A Common Stock in a public offering and received proceeds of $93.6 million, net of underwriting commissions of $6.0 million and transaction costs of $0.4 million. We provided a 30-day option to the underwriting agent to purchase up to an additional 4,838,709 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Option Shares”) from us on the same terms and conditions. On January 25, 2024, the Option Shares were exercised in full. The offering of the Option Shares closed on January 29, 2024 for proceeds of $14.1 million, net of underwriting commissions of $0.9 million. Proceeds from the sale of our Class A common stock under the January 2024 Common Stock Offering were and are expected to be used for general corporate purposes.

Impact of Global Macroeconomic and Geopolitical Conflicts

We continue to closely monitor the impact of macroeconomic conditions, including heightened inflation, changes to fiscal and monetary policies, higher interest rates, volatility in the capital markets, supply chain challenges, and geopolitical conflicts on all aspects of our business across geographies, including how it has and may continue to impact our operations, workforce, suppliers, and our ability to raise additional capital to fund operating and capital expenditures.

Changes in the prices of satellite materials due to inflation, supply chain challenges, and other macroeconomic factors may affect our capital costs estimates to build and launch the satellite constellation and adversely affect our financial condition. The extent of impact of these factors on our business will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time. To date, these factors have not had a material impact to our technology development efforts or results of our operations. However, if macroeconomic conditions deteriorate or there are unforeseen developments, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

We operate from multiple locations that include our corporate headquarters and 185,000 square feet AIT facilities in Texas where the final AIT is performed, and engineering and development centers elsewhere in the United States, India, Scotland, Spain and Israel. Our operations in Israel constitute approximately 5% of the consolidated total assets and approximately 12% of consolidated total operating expenses of the Company. To date, our operations in Israel have not been materially impacted by the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. We currently do not expect potential interruptions to our operations in Israel to have a material impact on the Company.

Factors Affecting Comparability of Our Future Results of Operations to Our Historical Results of Operations

Our historical financial performance has been, and we expect our financial performance in the future to be driven by our ability to execute on our strategy. Our future results of operations could differ materially from the historical results of operations as we expect to complete the assembly and launch the five Block 1 BB satellites, initiate the limited, noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in certain targeted geographical areas, fulfill our obligations under the contracts for gateway stations and under an agreement with a prime contractor of a U.S. government contract, complete the tape-out of our ASIC chip, set up ground cellular and infrastructure for commercial readiness, complete the design of the Block 2 BB satellites, commence the assembly, integration and testing of the Block 2 BB satellites, and launch the first Block 2 BB satellite.

Components of Results of Operations

Revenues

To date, we have not generated any revenues from our SpaceMobile Service. All revenues during the year ended December 31, 2022 were generated from sales and services by our former subsidiary, Nano. Following the completion of the sale of Nano on September 6, 2022, we did not generate any revenue. Following the launch and deployment of five Block 1 BB satellites, we currently plan to initiate a limited, noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in targeted geographical areas, including in the United States, subject to obtaining regulatory approval and negotiating and executing definitive agreements with MNOs, and seek to

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generate revenue from such service. In 2024, we expect to begin generating revenue from the resale of gateway equipment and associated services to MNOs and other third parties, and from completing defined milestones under an agreement with a prime contractor for a U.S. government contract.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales during the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted of the costs incurred to fulfill Nano’s sales contracts. Following the completion of the sale of Nano on September 6, 2022, we did not incur any costs of sales. We do not expect to generate revenue and incur associated cost of sales in future periods until we launch the SpaceMobile Service and/or begin to generate revenue from the resale of gateway equipment and associated services to MNOs and third parties, and meet future milestones under the agreement with a prime contractor for a U.S. government contract.

Engineering Services Costs

Engineering services costs are charged to expense as incurred. Engineering services costs consist primarily of the cost of employees and consultants involved in the design and development of the BB satellites, managing the network and satellite operations centers, and indirect costs related to the assembly, integration and testing of the BB satellites, license cost, and general expenses related to AIT facilities and engineering development centers.

General and Administrative Costs

General and administrative costs include the costs of insurance, cost of non-engineering personnel and personnel related expenses, software licensing and subscriptions, office and facilities expenses, investor relations, and professional services, including public relations, accounting and legal fees.

Research and Development Costs

R&D costs are charged to expense as incurred. R&D costs consist principally of development activities in which we typically engage third-party vendors and are largely driven by the achievement of milestones that trigger payments and costs of materials in supplies consumed in the development activities. R&D costs are expected to fluctuate quarter over quarter depending on achievement of milestones.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense includes depreciation expense related to property and equipment including the BW3 test satellite, as well as definite lived intangible assets. We began depreciating the BW3 test satellite as of April 25, 2023 over its expected remaining useful life of approximately 16 months.

Gain (Loss) on Remeasurement of Warrant Liabilities

Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants issued by us are accounted for as liability-classified instruments at their initial fair value on the date of issuance. They are remeasured on each balance sheet date and changes in the estimated fair value are recognized as an unrealized gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations.

Interest Income (Expense), net

Interest income (expense), net consists of interest earned on cash and cash equivalents held in interest bearing demand deposit accounts, net of any interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with our debt arrangements.

Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net primarily consists of non-operating expense and income, including foreign exchange gains or losses.

Income Tax Expense

AST LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Also, we had a controlling ownership interest in our former subsidiary, Nano, a Lithuanian company, through September 6, 2022, that is subject to foreign income taxes and is also treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and state and local taxes. Accordingly, all income, losses, and other tax attributes pass through to the members’ income tax returns, and no U.S. federal and state and local provision for income taxes has been

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recorded for AST LLC in the consolidated financial statements. Certain foreign wholly-owned entities are taxed as corporations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, and accruals for such taxes are included in the consolidated financial statements.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest primarily represents the equity interest in AST LLC held by members other than us. As of December 31, 2023, noncontrolling interest in AST LLC was approximately 58.7%. For the year ended December 31, 2022, noncontrolling interest also included approximately 49.0% equity interests in our former subsidiary, Nano, held by equityholders other than us. On September 6, 2022, the noncontrolling interest was eliminated in connection with the sale of the Company’s 51% interest in Nano. We attributed a portion of net income or loss generated at AST LLC and Nano to the noncontrolling interest based on their ownership interests.

Results of Operations

We report our results of operations under one operating segment. The following table sets forth a summary of our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands) and the discussion that follows compares the year ended December 31, 2023, to the year ended December 31, 2022.

Revenues

All revenues during the year ended December 31, 2022 were generated from sales and services provided by our former subsidiary, Nano. Following the completion of the sale of Nano on September 6, 2022, we no longer generated revenue.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales during the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted of the costs incurred to fulfill Nano’s sales contracts. Following the completion of the sale of Nano on September 6, 2022, we no longer generated revenue and incurred associated cost of sales.

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Engineering Services Costs

Total engineering services costs increased by $24.6 million, or 45%, to $78.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to a $10.5 million increase in payroll and employee related costs, including stock-based compensation expense, due to an increase in headcount and milestones bonuses paid upon achievement of certain milestones, an increase of $10.2 million in AIT facilities and activities and engineering development centers costs including managing mission operations and ground infrastructure and travel expenses, and an increase of $3.9 million in indirect costs associated with testing and production activities.

General and Administrative Costs

Total general and administrative costs decreased by $6.7 million, or 14%, to $41.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was driven by elimination of $5.7 million of costs related to Nano as Nano is no longer consolidated following its sale in September 2022, and a net decrease of $1.0 million in travel expenses and other miscellaneous expenses.

Research and Development Costs

Total R&D costs increased by $1.9 million, or 4%, to $47.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. R&D costs during the year ended December 31, 2023 were incurred primarily for completing the design and development of BB Block 1 satellites, progressing the design and development of certain subsystems for the BB Block 2 satellites, completing the IP design of our ASIC chip, and continued development of ground infrastructure programs for commercial readiness. R&D costs during the year ended December 31, 2022 were incurred primarily for the design and development of the BB Block 2 satellites and developing our ASIC chip. The increase in R&D costs was primarily driven by increases for the design and development of the BB Block 1 satellites and the development of ground infrastructure programs for commercial readiness, which were offset by completing the IP design of our ASIC chip and reduced expenditure on the design and development of certain subsystems for the BB Block 2 satellites during the current period.

Depreciation and Amortization

Total depreciation and amortization expense increased by $49.8 million, or 1,056%, to $54.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to commencing depreciation of the BW3 test satellite from April 25, 2023, the date on which we determined that BW3 had met its intended use.

Gain on Remeasurement of Warrant Liabilities

Decrease in fair value of warrant liabilities resulted in a gain of $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the gain of $19.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Interest Income (Expense), net

Total interest income (expense), net increased by less than $0.1 million, or 2%, to $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was driven by an increase of $4.3 million in interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents held in interest bearing demand deposit accounts, partially offset by an increase of $4.2 million in interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs incurred in connection with our debt arrangements.

Other (Expense) Income, net

Total other (expense) income, net was $(10.3) million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to $21.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease of $31.8 million was primarily due to the net gain of $24.6 million recognized in connection with the sale of Nano in 2022, a payment of $10.0 million in the third quarter of 2023 to a related party in accordance with the contractual agreement, partially offset by $1.4 million of transaction costs incurred in connection with the Equity Line of Credit (as defined herein) in 2022 and a decrease of $1.4 million in other non-operating income and foreign exchange loss.

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Income Tax Expense

The provision for income taxes was $1.7 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The consolidated effective tax rate for years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was (1%). Refer to Note 14: Income Taxes in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest was $135.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to $71.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase in net loss correlates with the increase in net loss generated at AST LLC given the noncontrolling interest represents a portion of such net loss.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our current sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents on hand and access to equity programs currently in place, which consist of an Equity Line of Credit (as defined herein) and the ATM Program (as defined herein). As of December 31, 2023, we had $88.1 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand, including $2.5 million of restricted cash. In January 2024, we raised net proceeds of $107.7 million from the issuance of Class A Common Stock through our Common Stock Offering and $110.0 million from the issuance of convertible notes under the Convertible Security Investment Agreement. We believe our cash and cash equivalents on hand, which is estimated at $210.8 million as of March 31, 2024, and our ability to raise capital through access to the Equity Line of Credit and the ATM Equity Program, will be sufficient to meet our current working capital needs, planned operating expenses and capital expenditures for a period of the next 12 months from the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The design, assembly, integration, testing and launch of satellites and related ground infrastructure is capital intensive. We currently estimate the capital expenditure, primarily direct materials and launch costs, required for the assembly, integration, testing and launch of the five Block 1 BB satellites to be approximately $115.0 million, and we have paid over 90% of this expenditure as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We currently believe that the estimated average capital costs, consisting primarily of direct materials and launch costs, required for the assembly, integration, testing and launch of a constellation of 95 Block 2 BB satellites to be approximately $16.0 million to $18.0 million per satellite. The estimated capital cost per Block 2 BB satellite is based on a number of factors, including securing launch contracts with more favorable terms, bulk ordering of parts and components, cost reductions due to the benefits of economies of scale and process improvements, and other factors. If we are unable to achieve these cost reductions, process improvements, and favorable launch contracts, the average capital cost of the Block 2 BB satellites will be higher and such variations could be material.

We believe we need to launch and operate 25 BB satellites (five Block 1 BB satellites and 20 Block 2 BB satellites) in order to provide coverage to the most commercially attractive MNO markets. In addition to the cash and cash equivalents we had on hand as of March 28, 2024, we currently estimate we will need to raise approximately $350.0 million to $400.0 million to fund operating expenses and capital expenditures necessary to design, assemble and launch 20 Block 2 BB satellites and operate a constellation of 25 BB satellites.

We evaluate our market, product and coverage plans based upon the attractiveness of certain markets, our technology, regulatory concerns and our access to capital and other resources. We believe we can develop satellite configurations which target delivering service to certain attractive markets without the necessity of building a constellation which covers the entire globe. This modularity of our satellite configuration enables us to alter the timing and size of our satellite roll out and provides us flexibility to dynamically change our market plans and capital requirements. As a result, we believe we have the ability to accelerate or slow down our business plan depending upon the availability of capital to support our strategies.

We plan to raise additional capital through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities (secured or unsecured), secured or unsecured loans or other debt facilities, and credit from government or financial institutions or commercial partners, including through our existing Equity Line of Credit and the ATM Equity Program. We also intend to seek to draw the remaining available credit under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. Our ability to access the capital markets during this period of volatility may require us to modify our current expectations. There can be no assurance that additional funds will be available to us on favorable terms or at all. If we cannot raise additional funds when needed in the future, our financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

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Commitments

The following table summarizes the contractual minimum principal and interest payments required on all of our outstanding debt and operating leases by period due date, as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Also, as of December 31, 2023, we had contractual commitments with third parties in the aggregate amount of $13.5 million related to procurement of BB satellite components, certain R&D programs, and capital improvements. We expect these commitments will continue to increase as we make progress to assemble, integrate and test Block 2 BB satellites, and enter into launch agreements for the launch of Block 2 BB satellites.

Common Stock Purchase Agreement

On May 6, 2022, we entered into the Common Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Common Stock Purchase Agreement” or “Equity Line of Credit”) with B. Riley Principal Capital, LLC (“B. Riley”) to sell, at our sole discretion, to B. Riley up to $75.0 million of shares of our Class A Common Stock at 97% of the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Class A Common Stock calculated in accordance with the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, over a period of 24 months subject to certain limitations and conditions contained in the Common Stock Purchase Agreement. Sales and timing of any sales of Class A Common Stock are solely at our election, and we are under no obligation to sell any securities to B. Riley under the Common Stock Purchase Agreement. We plan to raise capital, as and when needed, under the Common Stock Purchase Agreement at our sole discretion. Proceeds from the sale of our Class A Common Stock under the Common Stock Purchase Agreement were and will continue to be used for general corporate purposes.

Equity Distribution Agreement

On September 8, 2022, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “Sales Agreement” or “ATM Equity Program”) with Evercore Group L.L.C. and B. Riley Securities, Inc. (collectively, the “agents”) to sell shares of our Class A Common Stock having an aggregate sales price of up to $150.0 million through an “at the market offering” program under which the agents will act as sales agents. The agents are entitled to total compensation at a commission rate of up to 3.0% of the gross sales price per share sold. We plan to raise capital, as and when needed, under the Sales Agreement at our sole discretion. Proceeds from the sale of our Class A Common Stock under the Sales Agreement were and will continue to be used for general corporate purposes.

Term loan

In December 2021, concurrent with the purchase of real property and equipment in Midland, Texas, our wholly-owned subsidiary, AST & Science Texas, LLC (“AST Texas”), entered into a credit agreement with Lone Star State Bank of West Texas (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) providing for a $5.0 million term loan secured by the property. Borrowings under the term loan bear interest at a fixed rate equal to 4.20% per annum until December 7, 2026, and from December 8, 2026 until December 8, 2028 at a fixed rate per annum equal to 4.20% plus adjustment if the index rate as defined in the Term Loan Credit Agreement is greater than 4.20%, subject to a maximum interest rate of 4.90% per annum. Refer to Note 8: Debt in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

The Term Loan Credit Agreement contains certain customary events of default, and certain covenants that limit AST Texas’ ability to, among other things, create liens on collateral, consolidate, merge, sell, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets; and enter into certain transactions with their affiliates. If AST Texas fails to perform its obligations under these and other covenants, or should any event of default occur, the term loan may be terminated and any outstanding borrowings, together with unpaid accrued interest, could be declared immediately due and payable, and the lender will be authorized to take possession of the collateral.

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Senior secured credit facility

On August 14, 2023, we entered into a senior secured term loan credit agreement with ACP Post Oak Credit II LLC as administrative agent and collateral agent and Atlas Credit Partners, LLC (“Atlas”) as lender, providing for a principal loan commitment of up to $100.0 million (the “Atlas Credit Agreement”), of which $48.5 million was borrowed upon closing. In addition, a two-year collateral protection insurance policy was issued to the lenders and a cash premium based on a single digit percentage of the amount drawn was paid to the insurance provider thereunder (the “Cash Premium”). An additional amount of $51.5 million may be borrowed only to the extent we raise additional capital through equity raises and receive additional insurance coverage such that we have insurance coverage equal to at least the amount of borrowings under the credit facility.

The initial borrowings of $48.5 million accrue interest at a fixed rate equal to three-month secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) as of the closing date plus 9.625% per annum equal to 14.75% (the “Atlas Fixed Rate”), payable on the last business day of each fiscal quarter. The borrowing amounts are payable at maturity on August 14, 2026 and are subject to mandatory prepayments upon the occurrence of certain specified events.

Borrowings are secured by substantially all of our assets other than the assets of certain excluded subsidiaries. The Atlas Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, requires us to maintain certain levels of liquidity, limits our ability to incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments (including cash dividends on common stock), and sell or otherwise dispose of our assets, among other restrictions.

Upon closing, we received net proceeds of $37.2 million, net of debt issuance costs of $9.5 million and deposit of $1.8 million into an interest reserve escrow account. Debt issuance costs of $9.5 million consist of agent fees, offering expenses, and two years of cash premium coverage. The net proceeds were and are expected to continue to be used for general corporate purposes as permitted under the Atlas Credit Agreement.

Capital equipment loan

On August 14, 2023, we entered into a loan agreement with Lone Star State Bank of West Texas (“Lone Star”) as lender, providing for $15.0 million principal term loan commitment secured by certain real property fixtures and equipment in one of our Texas facilities (the “Lone Star Loan Agreement”).

Borrowings accrue interest at the Prime Rate plus 0.75%, subject to a ceiling rate. Interest payments are due and payable on a monthly basis. Interest payments began in September 2023 and principal payments will begin in April 2025. Principal repayments are thereafter due in 48 equal monthly installments until January 2029, the maturity date of the loan. In connection with the Lone Star Loan Agreement, we deposited a cash balance of $15.0 million in the Lone Star Bank Money Market Fund. This cash balance will be converted to restricted cash if we fail to maintain a consolidated balance of cash and cash equivalents of at least $75.0 million. This restricted cash will be used to offset against the term loan obligations if we fail to maintain a consolidated balance of cash and cash equivalents of at least $50.0 million. In addition, the Lone Star Loan Agreement includes certain customary affirmative and negative covenants.

We drew the entire $15.0 million facility on September 19, 2023 and incurred $0.1 million of transaction costs. The net proceeds were and are expected to continue to be used for general corporate purposes.

Convertible Security Investment Agreement

On January 16, 2024, we entered into a Convertible Security Investment Agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) with AT&T Venture Investments, LLC (“AT&T”), Google LLC (“Google”) and Vodafone Ventures Limited (“Vodafone”, and together, the “Investors”) to issue subordinated convertible notes for an aggregate principal amount of $110.0 million (such notes, the “Notes” and such investments, the “Investments”) to the Investors. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.50% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears beginning on June 30, 2024, in cash or in kind at our option. We intend to elect to pay the contractual interest amount in kind. The Notes have a ten-year term unless earlier converted. The net proceeds are expected to be used for general corporate purposes.

The holders of the Notes (the “Holders”) may at their option convert the Notes (subject to certain exceptions) at any time on or after January 16, 2025 at an initial conversion rate of 173.9130 shares of Class A Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of $5.75 per share of Class A Common Stock). On or after January 16, 2025, we also have an option to require the Holders to convert the Notes (subject to certain exceptions) at the same initial conversion rate of 173.9130 shares of Class A Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes if the VWAP of the Class A Common Stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for 30 consecutive trading days, on the immediately succeeding

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trading day after the last trading day of such 30 day period. The Notes may be accelerated upon the occurrence of certain events of default and fundamental change.

January 2024 Common Stock Offering

On January 23, 2024, we issued 32,258,064 shares of Class A Common Stock in a public offering and received proceeds of $93.6 million, net of underwriting commissions of $6.0 million and transaction costs of $0.4 million. We provided a 30-day option to the underwriting agent to purchase up to an additional 4,838,709 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Option Shares”) from us on the same terms and conditions. On January 25, 2024, the Option Shares were exercised in full. The offering of the Option Shares closed on January 29, 2024 for proceeds of $14.1 million, net of underwriting commissions of $0.9 million. Proceeds from the sale of our Class A common stock under the January 2024 Common Stock Offering were and are expected to be used for general corporate purposes.

Cash Flows

Historical Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

Operating activities

Cash used in operating activities was $148.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to cash used in operating activities of $156.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $7.5 million decrease in cash used in operating activities was attributable to a decrease of $38.1 million in working capital offset by an increase of $30.6 million in expenses to support expanded operations during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities was $118.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to cash used in investing activities of $31.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $87.5 million increase in cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to a $61.5 million increase in purchases of property and equipment, including procurement of BB satellite materials and advance launch payments, and $26.0 million proceeds from sale of Nano, net of cash deconsolidated and transaction costs, in September 2022.

Financing activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $116.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to cash provided by financing activities of $102.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The $14.4 million increase in cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to $53.4 million of net proceeds from borrowings on the Atlas Credit Agreement and Lone Star Loan Agreement, partially offset by $39.0 million decrease in net proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock under the secondary public offerings, ATM Equity Program and Equity Line of Credit.

Impact of inflation

While inflation may impact our capital and operating expenditures, we believe the effects of inflation, if any, on our results of operations and financial condition have not been significant. However, there can be no assurance that our results of operations and financial condition will not be materially impacted by inflation in the future, including by heightened levels of inflation experienced globally as a consequence of the rapidly changing market and economic conditions.

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Funding Requirements

We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023, funds raised in January 2024 and access to the Equity Line of Credit and ATM Equity Program will be sufficient to meet anticipated cash requirements for the next 12 months from the date hereof. However, our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary materially. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could expend capital resources sooner than we expect.

Future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:

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Establishing and maintaining supply and manufacturing relationships with third parties that can provide adequate, in both amount and quality, products and services to support our satellite development;

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Technological or manufacturing and assembling difficulties, design issues or other unforeseen matters;

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Negotiation of launch agreements (including launch costs), launch delays or failures, deployment failures, or in-orbit satellite failures;

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Seeking and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals;

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Timing of the launch of our satellites and subsequent initiation of service in various markets, delays in which will result in increased operating expenses;

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Addressing any competing technological and market developments;

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Ability to adjust our expenditures and contractual commitments based on capital availability;

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Ability to operate under the covenants in our debt agreements; and

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Attracting, hiring, and retaining qualified personnel.

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial revenues to support our cost structure, we expect to finance cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, commercial and other similar arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of stockholders will be, or could be, diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of common stockholders. Debt financing and equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise funds through commercial agreements, or other similar arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies and/or future revenue streams, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us and/or may reduce the value of our common stock. Also, our ability to raise necessary financing could be impacted by recent geopolitical events, higher interest rates and inflationary economic conditions and their effects on the market conditions. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity offerings, debt financings or commercial arrangements when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market other services even if we would otherwise prefer to develop and market these services ourselves, or potentially discontinue operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). Preparation of the financial statements requires our management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amount of revenue and expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We consider an accounting judgment, estimate or assumption to be critical when (1) the estimate or assumption is complex in nature or requires a high degree of judgment and (2) the use of different judgments, estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report. Our critical accounting policies are described below.

Property and Equipment

We design and self-construct the BB satellites intended to be used to provide SpaceMobile Service to customers. The BB satellites are not intended to be held for sale in the ordinary course of business. The costs incurred to complete the design is expensed as incurred. The cost incurred to complete the construction is capitalized as property and equipment. The cost of self-constructed BB satellite assets consists of direct materials, direct labor, launch costs and other direct costs attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition and desired location for the intended use. Costs incurred, including direct materials purchased and launch

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payments made, until the completion of the construction and launch of the BB satellites, are reported as satellite materials, satellites under construction, and advance launch payments within construction-in-progress. Once launched in orbit, the costs of the BB satellites are reported as satellites in orbit and depreciation of the satellites commences once the BB satellites are ready for their intended use.

We capitalize the costs of the test satellites if there is an alternative future use for the test satellites. We capitalize only those expenditures and ancillary costs that are directly attributable to assembly and testing and necessarily incurred to place the test satellites into their intended location and use. These costs include materials costs, launch cost, and other non-recurring costs directly associated with the development of the test satellites. The other non-recurring costs primarily include third-party vendors who are hired solely for the design, assembly, and testing of the test satellite and are responsible for the value and progression of the project. The costs for internal, recurrent engineering employees and consultants are expensed as engineering services costs and not capitalized to the cost of the test satellites, as these employees are not directly associated with the development of the test satellites.

Warrant Liabilities

We account for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). Our assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, whether they meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to our own common stock and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of our control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period-end date while the warrants are outstanding.

For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, they are recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. Issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification are recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance and subject to remeasurement each balance sheet date with changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants to be recognized as an unrealized gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important in the determination of an impairment include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner that we use the acquired asset and significant negative industry or economic trends.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2023.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Except as otherwise noted or where the context requires otherwise, references in this report (the “Annual Report”) to “we,” “us” or the “Company” refer to AST SpaceMobile, Inc. and references to our “management” or our “management team” refer to our officers and directors.

The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 8-Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, including our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained therein. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “dollars” and “$” in this Annual Report are to, and all monetary amounts in this Annual Report are presented in, U.S. dollars.

Overview

We are building the first space-based Cellular Broadband network designed to be accessible by standard unmodified, off-the-shelf mobile phones or 2G/3G/4G LTE/5G devices using low band and middle band spectrum controlled by Mobile Network Operators (“MNOs”). Our SpaceMobile Service is being designed to provide cost-effective, high-speed Cellular Broadband services to end users who are out of terrestrial cellular coverage. The SpaceMobile Service currently is planned to be provided by a constellation of high-powered, large phased-array satellites in Low Earth Orbit (“LEO”). The mobile traffic will be transmitted by the SpaceMobile constellation and connected via high-throughput Q/V-band links to in-country gateways which are collocated with the MNOs’ cellular network infrastructure. We anticipate that users will be able to connect to the SpaceMobile Service as if they were using a local cell tower.

We intend to work with MNOs to offer the SpaceMobile Service to the MNOs’ end-user customers. Our vision is that users will not need to subscribe to the SpaceMobile Service directly through us, nor will they need to purchase any new or additional equipment. Instead, users will be able to access the SpaceMobile Service when prompted on their mobile device that they are no longer within range of the land-based facilities of the MNO operator or will be able to purchase a plan directly with their existing mobile provider. We generally seek to use a revenue-sharing business model in our agreements with MNOs.

The SpaceMobile Service is expected to be highly attractive to MNOs as it will enable them to improve their service offering without significant incremental capital investments. The SpaceMobile Service is expected to enable MNOs to augment and extend their coverage without building towers or other land-based infrastructure, including where it is not cost-justified or is difficult due to geographical challenges, such as mountainous or rugged terrain. As a result of the incremental coverage created by the planned SpaceMobile Service, we believe that our MNO partners will have the opportunity to increase subscribers’ average revenue per unit (“ARPU”).

On April 1, 2019, we launched our first test satellite, BlueWalker 1 (“BW1”), which was used to validate our satellite to cellular architecture and was capable of managing communications delays from LEO and the effects of doppler in a satellite to ground cellular environment using the 4G-LTE protocols.

We launched our BlueWalker 3 (“BW3”) test satellite on September 10, 2022. On November 14, 2022, we announced the completion of the deployment of the communication array of the BW3 test satellite in orbit. On December 14, 2022, we provided an update with respect to certain BW3 test satellite performance and testing activities, including the construction of a telemetry, tracking and control network, implementation of an end to end testing of the flight control software to control communications array, testing patented doppler and delay hardware and software solutions, and the installation of a ground network for end-to-end testing at various testing locations.

As of March 31, 2023, we are continuing the initial testing in efforts to achieve Cellular Broadband communications between the BW3 test satellite and a standard/unmodified cellular phone using 3GPP standard frequencies. Following the completion of initial testing, we plan to continue performing similar tests of these Cellular Broadband speeds with various MNOs internationally using the BW3 test satellite and a standard/unmodified cellular phone as well as other aspects of the SpaceMobile network. As of December 31, 2022 and as of March 31, 2023, we incurred approximately $92.1 million and $92.3 million of capitalized costs (including launch cost and non-recurring engineering costs) related to the assembly, testing and deployment of the BW3 test satellite, respectively.

We are also currently designing and assembling our constellation of BlueBird (“BB”) satellites. We are leveraging skills, know-how and technological expertise derived from the design and assembly of our BW3 test satellite in the development of our BB

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satellite platform. We are currently assembling the first generation of commercial BB satellites (“Block 1 BB satellites”). We expect the Block 1 BB satellites will be of similar size and weight to the BW3 test satellite and have design improvements for enhanced power efficiency and throughput designed to increase capacity. We currently expect to launch five Block 1 BB satellites during the first quarter of 2024 and have entered into a Launch Services Agreement with SpaceX for the launch of the five BB Block 1 satellites. The exact timing of the launch, which is expected to carry five Block 1 BB satellites, is contingent on a number of factors, including satisfactory and timely completion of assembly and testing of five Block 1 BB satellites and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Following the launch, deployment and testing of five Block 1 BB satellites, we currently plan to initiate a limited, noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in targeted geographical areas and seek to generate revenue from such service. Prior to initiating such service, we will need to obtain regulatory approvals in each jurisdiction where we would provide such service and would need to enter into definitive agreements with MNOs relating to the offering of such service in each jurisdiction.

We believe the deployment of Block 1 BB satellites and subsequent initiation of limited noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service will help to demonstrate the advantages of a satellite-based Cellular Broadband service in the marketplace. This market activity may commence while we continue the development and testing of the next generation of the BB satellites.

Our next generation of BB satellites (“Block 2 BB satellites”) are expected to derive greater performance through the introduction of our own AST5000 Application Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) chip, which will provide materially greater throughput capacity, require less power and offer a lower overall unit cost. We expect that the Block 2 BB satellites will also benefit from the advantages of a larger aperture array which provides greater spectrum reuse, enhanced signal strength and increased capacity, thereby reducing the necessary number of satellites to achieve service as compared to smaller apertures. We expect to launch Block 2 BB satellites beginning in 2024 following the launch and deployment of our Block 1 BB satellites.

We are developing a phased satellite deployment plan and corresponding commercial launch plan of the SpaceMobile Service based on targeted geographical areas to provide the SpaceMobile Service to the most commercially attractive MNO markets. This prioritization of coverage is designed to minimize the capital required to initiate and operate commercial service that generates cash flows from operating activities sooner. We expect that such a successful commercial service would enable us to attract additional capital to continue to assemble and launch additional BB satellites to expand our capacity and geographic coverage area, although there can be no assurance that such capital would be available on terms acceptable to us.

We plan to achieve substantial service in the selected, targeted geographical areas with the launch and operation of 25 BB satellites and achieve substantial service in all targeted geographical areas to meet our long term business goals with the launch and operation of approximately 95 BB satellites. We anticipate launching and deploying additional satellites beyond the initial 95 satellites in order to enhance coverage and system capacity in response to incremental market demand. Our current plan is subject to numerous uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including satisfactory and timely completion of assembly and testing of the satellites, availability of launch windows by the launch providers, our ability to raise capital, proposed orbits and resulting satellite coverage, launch costs, ability to enter into agreements with MNOs, regulatory approvals, and other factors. We may adopt a strategy for commercial launch of the SpaceMobile Service, including the nature and type of services offered and the geographic areas where we may launch such services, that may differ materially from our current plan.

The SpaceMobile Service has not been launched and therefore has not yet generated revenue. After we begin to launch and deploy our Block 1 BB satellites, we currently plan to initiate a limited, noncontinuous SpaceMobile Service in targeted geographical areas and seek to generate revenue from such service. Prior to initiating such service, we will need to obtain regulatory approvals in each jurisdiction where we would provide such service and would need to enter into definitive agreements with the MNOs relating to the offering of such service in each jurisdiction.

We operate from multiple locations that include our corporate headquarters and 185,000 square feet satellite assembly, integrating and testing (“AIT”) facilities in Texas, and AIT and engineering and development locations elsewhere in the United States, India, Scotland, Spain and Israel. In December 2022, we started our new research and development center in India to support our global engineering operations and access the vast talent pool of engineers working in space, satellites, and telecommunications sector. Our India operations will focus on research and development of next-generation hardware, software, space-related technologies and operations.

We are continuing to make investments to industrialize the assembly, integration, and testing processes for the production of the BB satellites. We are hiring, and expect to continue hiring, assembly, integration, and testing employees necessary for the production of the BB satellites and engineers that will be required to test and integrate the BB satellites. We are also actively engaged with the third-party vendors to secure supply of components and materials for our BB satellites. Furthermore, we are continuing to expand our research and development (“R&D”) efforts for the development of electronics and subsystems required for BB satellites and cellular and ground infrastructure and gateways.

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On July 2, 2022, AST LLC entered into a share sale and purchase agreement (the “Share Sale and Purchase Agreement”) for sale of its 51% interest in its former subsidiary, NanoAvionika UAB (“Nano”) (the “Share Sale”) to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, a private limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Norway. The Share Sale and Purchase Agreement provided for a purchase price of €65.0 million in total enterprise value for the purchase of Nano. On September 6, 2022, AST LLC completed the Share Sale for proceeds, net of transaction costs and working capital adjustments, of $26.6 million and recognized a net gain of $24.5 million in Other income (expense), net in the audited Consolidated Statement of Operations. Upon closing of the Nano Share Sale, all amounts outstanding under the Nano Financing Agreement were paid by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS and the Nano Financing Agreement was terminated. See the notes to the audited consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.

We are an early stage and emerging growth company and, as such, we are subject to all of the risks associated with early stage and emerging growth companies. Please refer to Risk Factors contained in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report.

Recent Developments

On February 16, 2023, we filed a petition in the Delaware Court of Chancery pursuant to Section 205 of the DGCL seeking (i) the validation of the April 1, 2021 stockholder vote approving the proposal to amend and restate our certificate of incorporation, as amended to give effect to the Charter Proposal (including its filing and effectiveness, in each case as of April 6, 2021) (the “New Charter”) and (ii) the validation and declaration of effectiveness of (a) our certificate of incorporation, as amended to give effect to the Charter Proposal (including its filing and effectiveness, in each case as of April 6, 2021) (the “New Charter”) and (b) the securities issued or to be issued in reliance on the approval of the Charter Proposal and/or the validity of the New Charter, as of the respective dates of issuance to resolve any uncertainty with respect to those matters (captioned, In re AST SpaceMobile, Inc., C.A. No. 2023-0202-LWW (Del. Ch.)). On March 14, 2023, the Court of Chancery approved our request for relief and entered an order under Section 205 of the DGCL. Refer to Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements for further information.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Global Macroeconomic Conditions

We continue to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and macroeconomic conditions, including heightened inflation, slower growth or recession, changes to fiscal and monetary policies, higher interest rates, volatility in the capital markets, and supply chain challenges, on all aspects of our business across geographies, including how it has and may continue to impact our operations, workforce, suppliers, and our ability to raise additional capital to fund operating and capital expenditures. Changes in the prices of satellite materials due to inflation, supply chain challenges, and other macroeconomic factors may affect our capital costs estimates to build and launch the satellite constellation and adversely affect our financial condition. The extent of impact of these factors on our business will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time. To date, these factors have not had a material impact on our technology development efforts or results of our operations. However, if macroeconomic conditions deteriorate or there are unforeseen developments with respect to the current COVID-19 pandemic, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

Factors Affecting Comparability of Our Future Results of Operations to Our Historical Results of Operations

The consolidated assets, liabilities and results of operations for the period from January 1, 2021 up to April 6, 2021, the date the Company completed a business combination (the “Business Combination”), are those of our accounting predecessor, AST LLC. After the Business Combination, upon obtaining additional funding of $416.9 million, we expanded research and development initiatives, made significant progress on the BW3 test satellite and design of the BB satellites, increased the headcount of employees and consultants, and expanded our operations through December 31, 2021.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, we significantly expanded to support our growing operations. We completed the development of our BW3 test satellite and launched it in September 2022, established network and software operations centers, advanced research and development initiatives for the design and development of Block 1 and Block 2 BB satellites, secured long-lead components, made significant progress in Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) development, industrialized our AIT facilities for production of BB satellites, and increased the headcount of employees and consultants. In addition, we also sold our 51% interest in our former subsidiary, Nano, on September 6, 2022. Following the completion of the sale of Nano, we no longer generate revenue and do not expect to generate revenue in future periods until we launch the SpaceMobile Service.

Our future results of operations will be driven by our ability to execute on our strategy and could differ materially from the historical results of operations. We intend to continue to make necessary capital investments to industrialize our AIT facilities,

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procure satellite materials and components for assembly and testing of five Block 1 BB satellites, continue testing of the BW3 test satellite in collaboration with various MNOs, set up ground infrastructure in preparation for commercial service, complete the ASIC development, continue the research and development initiatives for design and development of Block 2 BB satellites, and increase the headcount of our employees and consultants to support the production and launch of the Block 1 BB satellites. All of these factors could result in materially different capital and operating expenses during future periods.

Components of Results of Operations

Revenues

To date, we have not generated any revenues from our SpaceMobile Service. Our former subsidiary, Nano, generated revenue from the development and manufacture of satellite technology, and ancillary sales and services globally. Nano also sold individual satellite parts, subsystems, and software to be configured to customers’ satellites, and entered into “rideshare” type agreements whereby Nano provided hosted payload services using customers’ payloads integrated with Nano-owned satellite buses for scheduled launches. Accordingly, all revenue presented herein exclusively relates to Nano’s sales of goods and services. Following the completion of the sale of Nano on September 6, 2022, we no longer generate revenue and do not expect to generate revenue in future periods until we launch the SpaceMobile Service.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes the purchase price of various products used and services performed to execute Nano’s sales contracts. Cost of sales also includes operational costs to fulfill Nano customer orders, including costs for Nano employees and overhead. Following the completion of the sale of Nano on September 6, 2022, we do not expect to generate revenue and incur associated cost of sales in future periods until we launch the SpaceMobile Service.

Engineering Services

Engineering services costs are charged to expense as incurred. Engineering services costs consist primarily of the expenses associated with our ongoing engineering efforts related to integration, testing, and development of our satellites, as well as the cost of internal staff (such as engineers and consultants) to support these efforts and general expenses related to engineering centers.

General and Administrative Costs

General and administrative costs include the costs of insurance, cost of non-engineering personnel and personnel related expenses such as recruiting and travel and lodging expenses, software licensing and subscriptions, office and facilities expenses, investor relations, and professional services, including public relations, accounting and legal fees.

Research and Development Costs

R&D costs consist principally of non-recurring development activities in which we typically engage third-party vendors. Currently, major R&D activities include engaging with vendors to help design and develop the electronic componentry, software, and mechanical deployment systems to be used in the BB satellites and in connection with the planned SpaceMobile Service.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense includes amounts related to property and equipment as well as definite lived intangible assets. Once the necessary testing to achieve Cellular Broadband communications between BW3 test satellite and a standard/unmodified cellular phone is complete, we expect to depreciate the BW3 test satellite over its expected useful life of two years resulting in a significant increase in future depreciation expense.

Gain (Loss) on Remeasurement of Warrant Liabilities

Public and private placement warrants issued by us are accounted for as liability-classified instruments at their initial fair value on the date of issuance. They are remeasured on each balance sheet date and changes in the estimated fair value are recognized as an unrealized gain or loss in the audited Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net consists of the gain from sale of Nano, interest earned on cash and cash equivalents held by us in interest bearing demand deposit accounts, net of any interest expense, as well as transaction costs incurred in connection with the Common Stock Purchase Agreement defined below in Liquidity and Capital Resources, and other miscellaneous non-operating items, including foreign exchange gains or losses.

Income Tax Expense

AST LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Also, we had a controlling ownership interest in our former subsidiary, Nano, a Lithuanian company, through September 6, 2022, that is subject to foreign income taxes and is also treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and state and local taxes. Accordingly, for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes, all income, losses, and other tax attributes pass through to the members’ income tax returns, and no U.S. federal and state and local provision for income taxes has been recorded for these entities in the audited consolidated financial statements. Certain foreign wholly-owned entities are taxed as corporations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, and accruals for such taxes are included in the audited consolidated financial statements.

We recorded net deferred tax assets of $94.9 million as of December 31, 2022 primarily related to the difference between the book value and tax basis of our investment in AST LLC, and net operating loss carryforwards. We have assessed the realizability of our deferred tax assets and in that analysis have considered the relevant positive and negative evidence available to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. As a result, we have recorded a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest primarily represents the equity interest in AST LLC held by the Existing Equityholders other than us. As of December 31, 2022, the Existing Equityholders’ equity ownership percentage in AST LLC was approximately 64.2%. Also, noncontrolling interest includes approximately 49% equity interests in our former subsidiary, Nano, held by equityholders other than us up to September 6, 2022. On September 6, 2022, the noncontrolling interest was eliminated in connection with the sale of the Company’s 51% interest in Nano. We attribute a portion of net income or loss generated at AST LLC and Nano to the noncontrolling interests based on their ownership interests.

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Results of Operations

We report our results of operations under one operating segment. The following table sets forth a summary of our audited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands) and the discussion that follows compares the year ended December 31, 2022, to the year ended December 31, 2021.

Revenues

Total revenues increased by $1.4 million, or 11%, to $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to the completion of performance obligations associated with both new and existing Nano customer contracts during the year ended December 31, 2022 prior to the sale of our 51% interest in Nano on September 6, 2022, after which we did not generate revenue.

Cost of Sales

Total cost of sales decreased by $(0.8) million, or (11)%, to $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in cost of sales relates to a decrease in cost under new and existing Nano sales contracts during the year ended December 31, 2022 prior to the sale of our 51% interest in Nano on September 6, 2022.

Engineering Services Costs

Total engineering services costs increased by $24.6 million, or 83%, to $54.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to a $20.7 million increase in payroll and employee related costs, including stock-based compensation expense, as a result of an increase in headcount to support growing engineering operations in 2022. The remaining $3.9 million increase relates to general expenses at engineering centers to support engineering efforts related to the integration, testing, and development of our satellites.

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General and Administrative Costs

Total general and administrative costs increased by $12.7 million, or 36%, to $48.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to increased payroll and employee related costs, office related costs, travel expenses, insurance costs and software licensing. To support growing operations in 2022, payroll and employee related costs, including stock-based compensation expense, office related costs and travel expenses increased by $3.8 million, $2.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Insurance costs increased by $1.7 million due to increased needs related to D&O insurance, intellectual property insurance and insurance coverage for our expanded facilities. The remaining $2.3 million increase relates to increased professional services fees, software licensing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Research and Development Costs

Total research and development (“R&D”) costs increased by $22.2 million, or 95%, to $45.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. R&D costs are primarily attributable to third-party development efforts relating to the BB satellites to be used in the SpaceMobile constellation. Prior to the second quarter of 2021, our operations primarily related to constructing the BW3 test satellite, and therefore R&D efforts were limited. The increase in R&D costs was primarily due to increased design and development efforts for our BB satellites along with achievement of certain milestones of our ASIC development program. R&D costs are expected to fluctuate quarter over quarter, as R&D costs are largely driven by the achievement of milestones that trigger payments.

Depreciation and Amortization

Total depreciation and amortization expense increased by $1.8 million, or 62%, to $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to the purchase of additional fixed assets and leasehold improvements over the last twelve months ended December 31, 2022.

Gain on Remeasurement of Warrant Liabilities

Decrease in fair value of warrant liabilities resulted in a gain of $19.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the gain of $15.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Other Income (expense), net

Total other income (expense), net was $24.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to $(2.0) million in the year ended December 31, 2021. Other income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily included a net gain of $24.5 million recognized in connection with the Nano Sale on September 6, 2022, $2.4 million of interest income, net of interest expense, from the cash and cash equivalents held at financial institutions, $1.4 million of transaction costs incurred in connection with the Common Stock Purchase Agreement and $1.3 million of foreign exchange loss during the year ended December 31, 2022. Other income (expense), net for the year ended December 31, 2021 primarily included a $2.7 million write-off of deposits for launch service and $0.7 million income from other non operating activities.

Income Tax Expense

The provision for income taxes was $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The consolidated effective tax rate for years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was (1)% and 0%, respectively. The low effective rate is driven by the loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest and the valuation allowance, and the difference in the effective rates between periods is driven by income tax expense assessed against non-U.S earnings. Refer to Note 17: Income Taxes in the accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements for further information.

Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest was $71.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to $42.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. This increase in net loss correlates with the increase in net loss generated at AST LLC given the noncontrolling interest represents a portion of such net loss.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We do not expect to generate revenue in future periods until we launch the SpaceMobile Service. Accordingly, our current sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents on hand and access to equity programs currently in place, which consist of an Equity

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Line of Credit and an At The Market Equity Program (“ATM Equity Program”). As of December 31, 2022, we had $239.3 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand, which includes $0.7 million of restricted cash. We believe our cash and cash equivalents on hand, together with our ability to raise capital through access to the Equity Line of Credit and the ATM Equity Program, will be sufficient to meet our current working capital needs, planned operating and capital expenditures for a period of the next 12 months from the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The design, assembly, integration, testing and launch of satellites and related ground infrastructure is capital intensive. We currently estimate the capital expenditure required for the design, assembly and launch of our first 5 Block 1 BB satellites to be between approximately $100.0 million and $110.0 million. We currently believe that the average capital expenditure required for the design, assembly and launch of a Block 2 BB satellite to be approximately $16.0 million to $18.0 million. The cost of the satellite configuration has increased due to the impacts of inflation, supply chain disruptions, design changes, and increase in the cost of electronic components, launch costs and other aspects of our design and assembly activities.

We believe we need to launch and operate 25 BB satellites (5 Block 1 BB satellites and 20 Block 2 BB satellites) in order to provide coverage to the most commercially attractive MNO markets. We currently estimate we will need to raise approximately $550.0 million to $650.0 million to fund operating and capital expenditures necessary to design, assemble and launch 20 Block 2 BB satellites and operate a constellation of 25 BB satellites to continue to provide SpaceMobile service.

We require capital to fund our operating and capital expenditures. We intend to seek to raise additional capital prior to the commencement of the commercial services through the issuance of equity, equity related or debt securities, secured loan facilities, or through obtaining credit from government or financial institutions or commercial partners, including through our existing Equity Line of Credit and the ATM Equity Program. Our ability to access the capital markets during this period of volatility may require us to modify our current expectations. The additional capital will be necessary to fund ongoing operations, continue research, development and design efforts, improve infrastructure, and launch satellites. There can be no assurance that additional funds will be available to us on favorable terms or at all. If we cannot raise additional funds when needed, our financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects may be materially and adversely affected.

We have contractual obligations, including non-cancellable operating leases, with terms expiring through November 2033. Rent expense from our operating leases was $0.9 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, included in General and administrative costs on the audited Consolidated Statements of Operations. Future minimum annual rental payments required under these operating lease agreements as of December 31, 2022 is presented within Note 7: Leases in the accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements. Also, as of December 31, 2022, we had contractual commitments with third parties in the aggregate amount of $49.5 million related to R&D programs, capital improvements, and procurement of BB satellite components. We expect these commitments will continue to increase as we complete the supply chain and electronics development in preparation for the production and launch of the BB satellites.

Common Stock Purchase Agreement

On May 6, 2022, we entered into the Common Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Common Stock Purchase Agreement” or “Equity Line of Credit”) with B. Riley Principal Capital, LLC (“B. Riley”). Pursuant to the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, we have the right, in our sole discretion, to sell to B. Riley up to $75.0 million of shares of our Class A common stock at 97% of the volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of the Class A common stock calculated in accordance with the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, over a period of 24 months subject to certain limitations and conditions contained in the Common Stock Purchase Agreement. Sales and timing of any sales of Class A common stock are solely at our election, and we are under no obligation to sell any securities to B. Riley under the Common Stock Purchase Agreement. As consideration for B. Riley’s commitment to purchase shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, we have issued 43,938 shares of our Class A common stock as commitment shares and will issue up to an aggregate of 43,938 shares of our Class A common stock if certain conditions are met. Other than the issuance of the commitment shares of our Class A common stock to B. Riley, we issued 1,756,993 shares of our Class A common stock to raise capital under the Common Stock Purchase Agreement as of December 31, 2022, aggregating to net proceeds of $13.4 million under the Common Stock Purchase Agreement. Proceeds from the sale of our Class A common stock under the Common Stock Purchase Agreement were and will continue to be used for general corporate purposes.

Equity Distribution Agreement

On September 8, 2022, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “Sales Agreement” or “ATM Equity Program”) with Evercore Group L.L.C. and B. Riley Securities, Inc. (collectively, the “agents”) to sell shares of our Class A common stock having an aggregate sales price of up to $150.0 million through an “at the market offering” program under which the agents will act as sales agents. The agents are entitled to total compensation at a commission rate of up to 3.0% of the gross sales price per share sold. Under the Sales Agreement, the Company issued 2,697,091 shares of its Class A common stock as of December 31,

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2022 aggregating to proceeds of $20.0 million, net of commissions paid to agents and transaction costs. Proceeds from the sale of our Class A common stock under the Sales Agreement were and will continue to be used for general corporate purposes.

Common Stock Offering

On December 2, 2022, we completed a public offering of 13,636,364 shares of Class A common stock, raising proceeds of $68.6 million, net of underwriting commissions of $5.3 million and transaction costs of $1.1 million. We provided a 30-day option to the underwriting agent to purchase up to an additional 2,045,454 shares to cover over-allotments, if any, which was not exercised. Proceeds from the sale of the Company’s Class A common stock were and will continue to be used for general corporate purposes.

Texas Financing Agreement

In December 2021, concurrent with the purchase of real property and equipment in Midland, Texas, our wholly owned subsidiary, AST & Science Texas, LLC (“AST Texas”), entered into a new Credit Agreement providing for a $5.0 million term loan secured by the property. Borrowings under the term loan bear interest at a fixed rate equal to 4.20% per annum until December 7, 2026, and from December 8, 2026 until December 8, 2028 at a fixed rate per annum equal to 4.20% subject to adjustment if the index rate as defined in the Credit Agreement is greater than 4.20%. Refer to Note 10: Debt in the accompanying notes to the audited consolidated financial statements for further information.

In connection with the term loan, we deposited into a reserve account $2.8 million of restricted cash which was used during 2022 to fund capital improvements related to the AIT facility located in Midland, Texas.

The Credit Agreement contains certain customary events of default, and certain covenants that limit AST Texas’ ability to, among other things, create liens on collateral, consolidate, merge, sell, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; and enter into certain transactions with its affiliates. If AST Texas fails to perform its obligations under these and other covenants, or should any event of default occur, the term loan may be terminated and any outstanding borrowings, together with unpaid accrued interest, could be declared immediately due and payable, and the lender will be authorized to take possession of the collateral.

Rakuten

On February 4, 2020, we entered into a commercial agreement with Rakuten, for our development of exclusive network capabilities in Japan compatible with the mobile network of Rakuten and its affiliates, which agreement was amended and restated as of December 15, 2020 (the “Rakuten Agreement”).

The Rakuten Agreement includes key performance indicators (“KPIs”) associated with the number of satellites launched, timing and coverage of our SpaceMobile Service in Japan in a phased manner that we must meet. If we do not meet the applicable KPIs for the last two phases noted in the Rakuten Agreement by June 2023, or if AST LLC becomes subject to any bankruptcy proceeding or becomes insolvent, we are required to pay Rakuten an amount of $10.0 million. Payment of the amount can be made by issuing a promissory note bearing interest at 8.0% per annum and payable in 12 quarterly installments over a three-year term, which can be prepaid at our election. No payments have been made to date between us and Rakuten under the Rakuten Agreement. The term of the Rakuten Agreement shall remain in effect until we fulfill our obligations under the Rakuten Agreement.

We do not expect to meet the applicable KPIs by June 2023. We and Rakuten are in discussions in light of our current business plan, planned deployment timeline, and commercialization strategy. However, there can be no assurance that Rakuten will agree to amend or waive the $10.0 million payment that would be due for not meeting the KPIs. If Rakuten does not agree to amend or waive this $10.0 million payment, we expect to issue a promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $10.0 million in June 2023.

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Cash Flows

Historical Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

Operating activities

Cash used in operating activities was $156.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, including $14.8 million of deposits paid to a launch provider related to the launch of five Block 1 BB satellites, as compared to cash used in operating activities of $80.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The $61.6 million increase in cash used in operating activities, excluding the above mentioned deposits paid to the launch provider, was attributable to higher operating expenses as a result of an increase in headcount, research and development efforts, software license costs, professional services fees and other office related expenses, and an increase in advances paid to vendors for development and procurement of long-lead components for our BB satellites.

Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities was $31.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to cash used in investing activities of $54.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The $23.4 million decrease in cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to proceeds, net of transaction costs and cash balance of Nano deconsolidated as of the date of sale, of $25.9 million received from the Nano Share Sale and a $12.7 million decrease in BW3 test satellite assembly and testing costs offset by $15.2 million increase in purchases of property and equipment including construction costs incurred at our Texas and Israel facilities.

Financing activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $102.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to cash provided by financing activities of $416.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was attributable to the proceeds from the Business Combination. Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily attributable to the sale of shares of Class A common stock under the Equity Line of Credit, ATM Equity Program and Common Stock Offering.

Impact of inflation

While inflation may impact our capital and operating expenditures, we believe the effects of inflation on our historical results of operations and financial condition have not been significant. However, there can be no assurance that our results of operations, capital cost estimates, and financial condition will not be materially impacted by the current heightened levels of inflation.

Funding Requirements

We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents and access to the Equity Line of Credit and ATM Equity Program will be sufficient to meet anticipated cash requirements for the next 12 months from the date hereof. However, our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary materially. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could expend capital resources sooner than we expect.

Future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:

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Establishing and maintaining supply and manufacturing relationships with third parties that can provide adequate, in both amount and quality, products and services to support our satellite development;

•
Technological or manufacturing and assembling difficulties, design issues or other unforeseen matters;

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•
Negotiation of launch agreements (including launch costs), launch delays or failures, deployment failures, or in-orbit satellite failures;

•
Timing of the launch of our satellites and subsequent initiation of service in various markets, delays in which will result in increased operating expenses;

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Addressing any competing technological and market developments;

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Seeking and obtaining market access approvals; and

•
Attracting, hiring, and retaining qualified personnel.

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial revenues to support our cost structure, we expect to finance cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, commercial and other similar arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of stockholders will be, or could be, diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of common stockholders. Debt financing and equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise funds through commercial agreements or other similar arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies and/or future revenue streams, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us and/or may reduce the value of our Class A common stock. Also, our ability to raise necessary financing could be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, recent geopolitical events, and inflationary economic conditions and their effects on the market conditions. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our development and commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market other services even if we would otherwise prefer to develop and market these services ourselves, or potentially discontinue operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). Preparation of the financial statements requires our management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amount of revenue and expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We consider an accounting judgment, estimate or assumption to be critical when (1) the estimate or assumption is complex in nature or requires a high degree of judgment and (2) the use of different judgments, estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on our audited consolidated financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report. Our critical accounting policies are described below.

BlueWalker 3 Capitalization

We account for research and development costs related to the BW3 test satellite in accordance with ASC 730 – Research and Development (“ASC 730”). We have determined there is an alternative future use for the BW3 test satellite as defined in this guidance. As such, certain costs related to the assembly of the BW3 test satellite are capitalized and reported as construction-in-progress (“CIP”) on our audited Consolidated Balance Sheets. We capitalize only those expenditures and ancillary costs that are directly attributable to assembly and testing and necessarily incurred to place the BW3 test satellite into its intended location and use. To date, capitalized expenditures include the costs for satellite parts, launch cost, and other non-recurring costs directly associated with the BW3 test satellite developments. The other non-recurring costs primarily include third-party engineers who are hired solely for the design, assembly and testing of the BW3 test satellite and are responsible for the value and progression of the project. The costs for internal, recurrent engineers and consultants are expensed as engineering services and not capitalized to the CIP account on our audited Consolidated Balance Sheets, as these employees are not directly associated with the development of the BW3 test satellite. We expect the BW3 test satellite to be ready for its intended use after establishing the technical feasibility of satellite to Cellular Broadband connection, at which point we will start depreciating the BW3 test satellite over its estimated useful life of two years.

Warrant Liabilities

We account for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480 - Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). Our assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, whether they meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to our own common stock and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of our

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control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period-end date while the warrants are outstanding.

For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, they are recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. Issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification are recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance and subject to remeasurement each balance sheet date with changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants to be recognized as an unrealized gain or loss in the audited Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

Our goodwill balance was eliminated following the deconsolidation of Nano from our audited consolidated financial statements on September 6, 2022.

Prior to the deconsolidation, we assessed goodwill for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter, on a reporting unit basis, or more frequently, when events and circumstances occur indicating that the recorded goodwill may be impaired. We first performed a qualitative assessment of goodwill, a Step 0 analysis, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative impairment analysis consisted of evaluating macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, relevant entity-specific events, events affecting a specific reporting unit, and sustained decrease in the share price. If we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value we performed a quantitative impairment test. This test identifies both the existence of and the amount of goodwill impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeded its fair value an impairment loss is recognized in amount equal to that excess, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. When performing a quantitative impairment test we made various estimates and assumptions in determining the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, including estimated cash flows and a terminal value, discounted at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows, as well as valuation multiples derived from comparable publicly traded companies that are applied to operating performance of the reporting unit.

We assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important in the determination of an impairment include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner that we use the acquired asset and significant negative industry or economic trends.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2022.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 8-Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See “Forward-Looking Statements” and Item 1A-Risk Factors, for a discussion of factors that could cause our future financial condition and results of operations to be materially different from those discussed below. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “dollars” and “$” in this Annual Report are to, and all monetary amounts in this Annual Report are presented in, U.S. dollars.

Overview

We are an innovative satellite designer and manufacturer. We operate from six locations that include our corporate headquarters and 185,000 square foot satellite assembly, integrating and testing facilities in Texas, and engineering and development locations in Maryland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Israel. Also, our 51% owned and controlled subsidiary, Nano, is headquartered in Lithuania.

We and our global partners are building what we believe is the first space-based cellular broadband network designed to be accessible by standard mobile phones. Our SpaceMobile Service is expected to provide cost-effective, high-speed mobile broadband services with global coverage to all end-users, regardless of where they live or work, without the need to purchase special equipment. We believe the SpaceMobile Service would be the first global direct mobile broadband network using LEO satellites to provide connectivity to any standard, unmodified, off-the-shelf mobile phone or 2G/3G/4G LTE/5G and IoT-enabled device. We intend to partner with MNOs to offer the SpaceMobile Service to the MNOs’ end-user customers. Our vision is that users will not need to subscribe to the SpaceMobile Service directly with us, nor will they need to purchase any new or additional equipment. Instead, users will be able to access the SpaceMobile Service when prompted on their mobile device that they are no longer within range of the land-based facilities of the MNO operator or will be able to purchase a plan directly with their existing mobile provider.

The SpaceMobile Service currently is planned to be provided through a network of 168 high-powered, large phased-array satellites in LEO. The worldwide mobile traffic will be directed by the SpaceMobile constellation to terrestrial gateways via high throughput Q/V-band links and then directed to the in-country MNO’s core cellular network infrastructure, located at our dedicated gateways. Our intent is that users will be able to connect to the SpaceMobile Service as if they were using a local cell tower, with less communication delay effects than existing geostationary satellite communication systems experience.

On April 1, 2019, we launched our first test satellite, BW1, which was used to validate our satellite to cellular architecture and was capable of managing communications delays from LEO orbit and the effects of doppler in a satellite to ground cellular environment using the 4G-LTE protocol. We are currently completing the assembly and testing our BW3 test satellite. The BW3 test satellite has an aperture of 693 square feet and is designed to communicate directly with mobile phones via 3GPP standard frequencies. The BW3 test satellite currently is targeted to launch in the Summer of 2022 on a SpaceX’s Falcon 9 vehicle. Through December 31, 2021 and as of the date hereof, we have incurred approximately $67.6 million and $80.7 million of capitalized costs (including launch cost and non-recurring engineering costs) relating to the BW3 test satellite, respectively. The BW3 test satellite is substantially complete and we do not expect to incur material costs in future periods relating to the BW3 test satellite.

We are also currently developing and designing our constellation of BB satellites. We currently plan to begin launching the first commercial BB satellites in 2023 and expect this to continue through 2025. We currently plan to achieve substantial global mobile coverage after the launch of a total of 110 satellites by the end of 2024 and MIMO capabilities during 2025 after the launch of a total of 168 satellites. Our current plan is subject to numerous uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including, satisfactory and timely completion of assembly and testing of the satellites, availability of launch windows by the launch providers, proposed orbits and resulting satellite coverage, launch costs, ability to enter into agreements with MNOs, regulatory approvals, and other factors. Accordingly, we may adopt a deployment strategy that may differ materially from our current plan.

We are currently industrializing the assembly, integration, and testing processes for the future production of the BB satellites. We are making the necessary capital investments in the AIT facility in Texas. We are hiring, and expect to continue hiring, assembly, integration, and testing employees necessary for the production of the BB satellites and engineers that will be required to test and integrate the BB satellites. Also, we are continuing to implement and integrate various systems, such as product lifecycle management, manufacturing execution system, enterprise resource planning system, and other systems required to industrialize the manufacturing processes of the BB satellites. We are also actively engaged with the third-party vendors to secure supply of components and materials for production of the BB satellites. Furthermore, we are continuing to expand our R&D efforts for the development of electronics required for BB satellites and cellular and ground infrastructure and gateways.

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We are an early stage and emerging growth company and, as such, we are subject to all of the risks associated with early stage and emerging growth companies. Please refer to the Item 1A-Risk Factors for a description of such risks.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

We continue to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting impact on all aspects of our business across geographies, including how it has and may continue to impact our workforce, suppliers and vendors. We have implemented business continuity plans designed to address and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our business, research and development efforts and the value of our equity, will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence at this time. To date, the pandemic has not had a material impact to our technology development efforts or results of our operations. However, given the daily evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak and the global responses to curb its spread, we are not able to estimate the future effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

Factors Affecting Comparability of Our Future Results of Operations to Our Historical Results of Operations

The consolidated assets, liabilities and results of operations for the fiscal year 2020 and for the period from January 1, 2021 up to April 6, 2021, the date of the Business Combination, are those of our accounting predecessor, AST LLC. After the Business Combination, upon obtaining additional funding of $416.9 million, we significantly expanded research and development initiatives, made significant progress on the BW3 test satellite and design of the BB satellites, increased the headcount of employees and consultants, and expanded our operations, including by purchasing a new 100,000 square foot facility in Texas to supplement our existing manufacturing capacity. All of these factors contributed to a significant increase in related operating and capital expenditures during 2021. Also, in connection with the Business Combination, we issued warrants which are recorded at fair value in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The change in fair value of warrants was recognized as a gain or loss in the consolidated statement of operations.

Components of Results of Operations

Revenues

To date, we have not generated any revenues from our SpaceMobile Service. Our 51% owned subsidiary, Nano, generates revenue from the development and manufacture of satellite technology, and ancillary sales and services globally. Nano also sells individual satellite parts, subsystems, and software to be configured to customers’ satellites, and enters into “rideshare” type agreements whereby Nano provides hosted payload services using customers’ payloads integrated with Nano-owned satellite buses for scheduled launches. Accordingly, all revenue recognition presented herein exclusively relates to Nano’s sales of goods and services.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes the purchase price of various products used and services performed to execute Nano’s sales contracts. Cost of sales also includes operational costs to fulfil Nano customer orders, including costs for Nano employees and overhead.

Engineering Services

Engineering costs are charged to expense as incurred. Engineering costs consist primarily of the expenses associated with our ongoing engineering efforts related to integration, testing, and development of our satellites, as well as the cost of internal staff (such as engineers and consultants) to support these efforts and general expenses related to engineering centers.

General and Administrative Costs

General and administrative costs include the costs of insurance, cost of non-engineering personnel and personnel related expenses such as recruiting and travel and lodging expenses, software licensing and subscriptions, office and facilities expenses, investor relations, and professional services, including public relations, accounting and legal fees.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development (“R&D”) costs consist principally of non-recurring development activities in which we typically engage third-party vendors. Currently, major R&D activities include engaging with vendors to help design and develop the

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electronic componentry, software, and mechanical deployment systems to be used in the BB satellites and in connection with the planned SpaceMobile service.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense includes amounts related to property and equipment as well as definite lived intangible assets. Once the BW3 test satellite is completed and successfully launched, we expect a significant portion of our depreciation expense to relate to the depreciation of this asset, given its assigned useful life is two years.

Gain (Loss) on Remeasurement of Warrant Liabilities

Public and private warrants issued by us are accounted for as liability-classified instruments at their initial fair value on the date of issuance. They are remeasured on each balance sheet date and changes in the estimated fair value are recognized as an unrealized gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Other Income, Net

Other income consists of interest earned on cash and cash equivalents held by us in interest bearing demand deposit accounts, net of any interest expense, as well as miscellaneous non-operating items, including foreign exchange gains or losses.

Income Tax Expense

As a result of the Business Combination, we own an equity interest in AST LLC in what is commonly referred to as an “Up-C” structure. AST LLC is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Also, we have a controlling ownership interest in Nano, a Lithuanian subsidiary, that is subject to foreign income taxes and is also treated as a partnership for U.S. federal and state and local taxes. Accordingly, for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes, all income, losses, and other tax attributes pass through to the members’ income tax returns, and no U.S. federal and state and local provision for income taxes has been recorded for these entities in the consolidated financial statements. Certain foreign wholly-owned entities are taxed as corporations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, and accruals for such taxes are included in the consolidated financial statements.

We recorded net deferred tax assets of $72.4 million as of December 31, 2021 primarily related to the difference between the book value and tax basis of our investment in AST LLC, and net operating loss carryforwards. We have assessed the realizability of our deferred tax assets and in that analysis have considered the relevant positive and negative evidence available to determine whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. As a result, we have recorded a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling interest primarily represents the equity interest in AST LLC held by the Existing Equityholders other than us. As of December 31, 2021, the Existing Equityholders’ equity ownership percentage in AST LLC was approximately 72%. Also, noncontrolling interest includes the equity interests in our subsidiaries, Nano Lithuania and Nano US, held by equityholders other than us. As of December 31, 2021, the noncontrolling interests in Nano Lithuania and Nano US was approximately 49%. We attribute a portion of net income or loss generated at AST LLC, Nano Lithuania, and Nano US to the noncontrolling interests based on their ownership interests.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth a summary of our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands) and the discussion that follows compares the year ended December 31, 2021, to the year ended December 31, 2020.

Revenues

Total revenues increased by $6.4 million, or 108%, to $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020, of which $5.2 million was attributable to Nano sales contracts entered into during the year ended December 31, 2021, including contracts with new customers. The remaining $1.2 million increase was attributable to the completion of performance obligations associated with existing Nano customer contracts.

Cost of Sales

Total cost of sales increased by $4.5 million, or 150%, to $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in cost of sales was primarily attributable to increased production and services under new and existing Nano sales contracts during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Engineering Services

Total engineering services increased by $16.5 million, or 126%, to $29.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to a $14.2 million increase in headcount of engineers and a $1.1 million increase in consultant costs. The costs related to recurrent engineers and consultants are expensed as engineering services. The remaining change relates to a $1.2 million increase in general expenses at engineering centers to support the engineering efforts related to the integration, testing, and development of our satellites. Engineering expenses are expected to continue to increase in the near term as we hire additional engineers and third parties in our development of the SpaceMobile Service.

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General and Administrative Costs

Total general and administrative costs increased by $23.3 million, or 189%, to $35.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to increased professional fees, employee and consultant related expenses, insurance costs, and office related costs. The $7.6 million increase in professional service fees was attributable to the increase in legal, tax, and accounting services provided as we transitioned to a public company. The $5.8 million increase in employee and consultant-related expenses, such as salaries and recruiting fees, was attributable to the increase in headcount as we expanded operations. The $4.1 million increase in insurance costs was attributable to increased insurance needs, including related to D&O insurance, intellectual property insurance and insurance coverage for our expanded facilities. The $4.0 million increase in office-related costs was primarily attributable to increased costs for repairs and maintenance at our existing facility in Texas, headcount-driven increases in office supplies, software costs, and increased rent. The remaining $2.0 million increase in general and administrative costs was attributable to miscellaneous expenses, including licensing costs and travel costs.

Research and Development Costs

Total research and development costs increased by $22.4 million, or 2218%, to $23.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to third-party development efforts relating to the BB satellites to be used in the SpaceMobile constellation, which began to increase substantially during the second quarter of 2021. Prior-year operations primarily related to constructing the BW3 test satellite, and therefore research and development efforts were limited during the year ended December 31, 2020. Research and development costs are expected to continue to increase in future periods until the design and development of the BB satellite constellation is completed.

Depreciation and Amortization

Total depreciation and amortization expense increased by $2.0 million, or 228%, to $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to the purchase of additional fixed assets and leasehold improvements during the period. Depreciation expense is expected to increase significantly once the BW3 test satellite is completed and successfully launched given its assigned useful life of two years.

Changes in Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities

Total changes in fair value of warrant liabilities was $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to zero in the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was due to the unrealized gain on the change in the fair value of the warrant liabilities of $15.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2021. We did not have a similar change in the fair value of the warrant liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2020, which only includes the consolidated financial results of AST LLC, as the warrant liabilities were not recorded until the Business Combination in the second quarter of 2021.

Other Income (Expense), net

Total other income (expense), net was $(2.0) million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to near zero in the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in other expenses was primarily attributable to a $2.7 million write-off of deposits for launch services with an entity headquartered in Russia, that we do not expect to be able to utilize for satellite launches in the foreseeable future or obtain a refund as a result of recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. government on Russian business entities. This was offset by non-operating income from a third-party contract executed during the year ended December 31, 2021. We did not have similar income and expense during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Noncontrolling Interest

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest was $42.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to $0.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2020. This increase in net loss correlates with the increase in net loss generated at AST LLC given the noncontrolling interest represents a portion of such net loss.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We require capital to fund our operating expenses and to make capital expenditures. We expect our capital requirements to increase as our operations expand. As of December 31, 2021, we had $324.5 million of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash on hand. We believe our cash on hand is sufficient to meet our current working capital needs and planned capital expenditure for a period of at least 12 months from the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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The design, manufacture, integration, testing, assembly and launch of satellites and related components and related ground infrastructure is a capital-intensive venture. We currently estimate the capital asset investments required for the manufacture and launch of the first 20 BB satellites to be between approximately $260.0 million and $300.0 million, which is expected to be incurred during 2022 and 2023. Assuming we are able to execute on our current planned timeframe, we estimate the capital asset investments required for the manufacture and launch of the planned constellation, including the 168 satellites we currently anticipate are required to reach substantial global mobile coverage with MIMO capabilities, to be approximately $1.9 billion, expected to be incurred through 2025.

We also have contractual obligations, including non-cancellable operating leases for office space, with terms expiring through February 2028. Rent expense from our operating leases was $1.0 million and $0.3 million for the fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively, included in general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Future minimum annual rental payments required under these operating lease agreements as of December 31, 2021 is presented within the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements (Note 6), included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Also, as of December 31, 2021, we had contractual commitments with third parties in the aggregate amount of $27.0 million related to R&D programs, capital improvements, and procurement of BB satellite components, whereby we expect to pay approximately $12.9 million during 2022 and $14.1 million during 2023, through cash and cash equivalents on hand. These commitments will continue to increase as we complete the supply chain and electronics development in preparation for the production and launch of the BB satellites.

Our cash used in operating activities, which was $80.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, is expected to increase during 2023 and 2024 until after we begin to generate revenue from the SpaceMobile Service. These increases in cash used in operating activities is expected to result from 1) hiring the required employees to complete the manufacture, assembly, integration and testing of the BB satellites, 2) additional general and administrative costs relating to the operation of a growing public company (legal, tax, and accounting fees, D&O and other insurance, software licenses and subscriptions, etc.) and the related increase in the number of corporate employees, 3) expenses relating to the negotiation and procurement activities relating to the design and procurement required for the BB satellites and efforts related to the required regulatory approvals, and 4) third-party research and development efforts relating to the development and design elements of the BB satellites. We believe we have sufficient capital to fund planned operations and capital investments for at least 12 months from the date hereof. The capital asset investments required to complete the SpaceMobile constellation and related operating costs are preliminary estimates. As we complete the design, development, componentry and progress with procurement, assembly, integration and testing of the BB satellites, our estimates may be subject to change and actual costs may be materially greater than our current estimates. We intend to seek to raise additional capital prior to the commercial launch of the SpaceMobile Service. Also, we will need to raise additional capital to continue to fund our operations and to develop and launch satellites required to provide substantial global mobile coverage of the SpaceMobile Service. We expect to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity related or debt securities, or through obtaining credit from government or financial institutions or commercial partners. This capital will be necessary to fund ongoing operations, continue research, development and design efforts, improve infrastructure, and launch satellites. We cannot be certain that additional funds will be available to us on favorable terms if required, or at all. If we cannot raise additional funds when needed, our financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects will be materially adversely affected.

Long-term debt

In December 2021, concurrent with the purchase of real property and equipment in Midland, Texas, our wholly owned subsidiary, AST & Science Texas, LLC (the "Subsidiary"), entered into a new credit agreement providing for a $5.0 million term loan secured by the property. Borrowings under the term loan bear interest at a fixed rate equal to 4.20% per annum until December 7, 2026, and from December 8, 2026 until December 8, 2028 at a fixed rate per annum equal to 4.20% subject to adjustment if the index rate as defined in the credit agreement is greater than 4.20%. See the notes to the consolidated financial statements (Note 9) contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.

In connection with the term loan, we deposited into a reserve account $2.8 million of restricted cash that may be used only for the purposes of funding capital improvements related to the AIT facility located in Midland, Texas. Under any event of default, the lender will have the right to offset against this account any past due payments, indebtedness or charges owed by us.

The credit agreement contains certain customary events of default, and certain covenants that limit our Subsidiary's ability to, among other things, create liens on collateral, consolidate, merge, sell, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets; and enter into certain transactions with their affiliates. If our Subsidiary fails to perform its obligations under these and other covenants, or should any event of default occur, the term loan may be terminated and any outstanding borrowings, together with unpaid accrued interest, could be declared immediately due and payable, and the lender will be authorized to take possession of the collateral.

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Nano Business Credit Agreement

On December 8, 2021, our subsidiary, Nano, entered into an agreement with AB SEB Bank (the "Lender") pursuant to which the Lender agreed to provide up to $0.4 million to fund certain capital expenditures. Nano may use this facility to fund up to 70% of certain capital expenditures on an as-invoiced basis through March 2022, at which time outstanding principal and interest will be due and payable in monthly installments commencing on March 31, 2022 and continuing until December 6, 2025. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the EURIBOR plus 3.00%. As of December 31, 2021, the outstanding balance was approximately $49,000, which is classified within Accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See the notes to the consolidated financial statements (Note 9) contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information.

Cash Flows

Historical Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):

Operating activities

Cash used in operating activities was $80.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to cash used in operating activities of $22.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $57.3 million increase in cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was attributable to increased operating expenditures related to increased headcount as our operations expanded, increased satellite technology development efforts, and an increase in professional fees related to being a public company.

Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities was $54.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to cash used in investing activities of $30.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $24.4 million increase in cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was attributable to a $17.5 million increase in cash used for BW3 satellite construction, as well as a $7.0 million increase in cash used for property and equipment purchases including the new Midland facility, satellite antennas, test equipment, and leasehold improvements.

Financing activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $416.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared to cash provided by financing activities of $69.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $347.2 million increase in cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily attributable to the $416.9 million of net proceeds from the Business Combination in the second quarter of 2021, compared to $72.1 million of net proceeds received from the issuance of AST LLC Series B Preferred Units during 2020.

Impact of inflation

While inflation may impact our capital and operating expenditure, we believe the effects of inflation, if any, on our results of operations and financial condition have not been significant. However, there can be no assurance that our results of operations and financial condition will not be materially impacted by inflation in the future, including by heightened levels of inflation experienced globally as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent geopolitical conflict.

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Funding Requirements

We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet anticipated cash requirements for at least 12 months from the date hereof. However, our forecast of the period of time through which our financial resources will be adequate to support operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary materially. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could expend capital resources sooner than we expect.

Future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:

•
Seeking and obtaining market access approvals;

•
Establishing and maintaining supply and manufacturing relationships with third parties that can provide adequate, in both amount and quality, products and services to support our satellite development;

•
Addressing any competing technological and market developments;

•
Technological or manufacturing difficulties, design issues or other unforeseen matters;

•
Negotiation of launch agreements, launch delays or failures or deployment failures or in-orbit satellite failures; and

•
Attracting, hiring, and retaining qualified personnel.

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial revenues to support our cost structure, we expect to finance cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, commercial and other similar arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of stockholders will be, or could be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of common stockholders. Debt financing and equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we raise funds through commercial agreements, or other similar arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies and/or future revenue streams, or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us and/or may reduce the value of our common stock. Also, our ability to raise necessary financing could be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the market conditions. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market other services even if we would otherwise prefer to develop and market these services ourselves or potentially discontinue operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP). Preparation of the financial statements requires our management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that impact the reported amount of revenue and expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We consider an accounting judgment, estimate or assumption to be critical when (1) the estimate or assumption is complex in nature or requires a high degree of judgment and (2) the use of different judgments, estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Report. Our critical accounting policies are described below.

BlueWalker3 Capitalization

We account for research and development costs related to the BW3 test satellite in accordance with ASC 730 – Research and Development (“ASC 730”). We have determined there is an alternative future use for BW3 as defined in this guidance. As such, certain costs related to the construction of the BW3 test satellite are capitalized and reported as construction-in-progress (“CIP”) on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We capitalize only those expenditures and ancillary costs that are directly attributable to the construction phase and necessarily incurred to place BW3 into its intended location and use. To date, capitalized expenditures include the costs for satellite parts, paid launch costs, and other non-recurring costs directly associated with BW3 developments. The other non-recurring costs primarily include third-party engineers who are hired solely for the design and assembly of BW3 and are responsible for the value and progression of the project. The costs for internal, recurrent engineers and consultants are expensed as engineering services and not capitalized to the CIP account on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as these employees are not directly associated with the development of BW3. Costs incurred that are not directly attributable to the construction phase or necessarily incurred to place BW3 into its intended location and use are recognized as an expense as incurred.

Warrant Liabilities

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We account for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480 - Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). Our assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, whether they meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to our own common stock and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of our control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period-end date while the warrants are outstanding.

For issued or modified warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, they are recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued or modified warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, they are recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance and subject to remeasurement each balance sheet date with changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants to be recognized as a non-cash gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

We assess goodwill for impairment at least annually in the fourth quarter, on a reporting unit basis, or more frequently, when events and circumstances occur indicating that the recorded goodwill may be impaired. We first perform a qualitative assessment of goodwill, a Step 0 analysis, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The qualitative impairment analysis consists of evaluating macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, relevant entity-specific events, events affecting a specific reporting unit, and sustained decrease in the share price. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value we perform a quantitative impairment test. This test identifies both the existence of and the amount of goodwill impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount goodwill is not impaired. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value an impairment loss is recognized in amount equal to that excess, limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. When performing a quantitative impairment test we make various estimates and assumptions in determining the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, including estimated cash flows and a terminal value, discounted at a rate of return that reflects the relative risk of the cash flows, as well as valuation multiples derived from comparable publicly traded companies that are applied to operating performance of the reporting unit. It is possible that changes in circumstances or changes in management’s judgments, assumptions and estimates could result in an impairment charge of a portion or all of its goodwill.

We performed our annual goodwill impairment test using the qualitative approach for the year ended December 31, 2021 and concluded there was no impairment as of that date. Factors that we considered in determining that it was not more likely than not that the carrying value of our reporting unit exceeded its fair value included the results of the quantitative test performed in fiscal year 2020, our forecasts of future operating performance, market conditions, and other factors. No goodwill impairment charges were recognized for goodwill for the fiscal years 2021 or 2020.

We assess the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important in the determination of an impairment include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner that we use the acquired asset and significant negative industry or economic trends.