AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) saw its stock price soar 5.25% during intraday trading on Friday, continuing a strong performance trend for the space communications company.

The surge appears to be part of a broader rally in the space economy sector, driven by heightened investor anticipation of SpaceX's much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO) expected in 2026. Analysts note that space-themed exchange-traded funds have attracted significant inflows recently, with the sector gaining recognition as a viable investment theme beyond just aerospace and defense.

AST SpaceMobile has been a notable performer in this space, having gained 258% over the past 12 months according to recent analysis. The growing investor interest in pure-play space companies like ASTS reflects a broader belief that the space economy represents a significant growth story, with SpaceX's impending public market debut serving as a major catalyst for the entire sector.