AST SpaceMobile Podcast Anpanman - Potential for US Gov stake?
Oct 13, 2025
The discussion delves into the potential for U.S. government stakes in strategic space firms, highlighting defense needs and recent developments in competitive markets. Anpanman emphasizes the importance of community intelligence in monitoring launches and explores historical precedents for government investments. The implications of U.S. equity in companies like AST SpaceMobile are examined, including effects on capital costs and international partnerships. The conversation wraps up with estimates of the likelihood of a U.S. stake, offering insights into the future of space industry investments.
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Government Stakes Can De-Risk Strategic Industries
- The U.S. government is increasingly willing to take equity stakes in strategic, high-risk industries to lower cost of capital and spur development.
- This model has precedents like TARP, Project Warp Speed, and semiconductor investments that validated and accelerated sectors.
Space Is A Strategic, Contested Domain
- Space is a strategic contested domain where U.S. must compete with China and Russia across launch, comms, and observation.
- The U.S. may treat new space firms as national-security priorities deserving support and partnership.
Satellite Markets May Split Along Geopolitics
- Western markets will likely be dominated by Starlink and AST SpaceMobile serving allied MNOs, while China builds separate constellations for aligned countries.
- Competition will split along geopolitical and commercial lines, shaping customers and partnerships.