Wikipedia:AST & Science

AST & Science, also known as AST SpaceMobile, is an American space technology company that is based in Midland, Texas, United States. It is developing a technology which will provide satellite connectivity globally with the existing handsets. According to the proposal, by 2023, more than a billion people will be connected to 5G through a network of satellites in equatorial region.

Abel Avellan is the current chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the company.

History
The company was founded in May 2017 by Abel Avellan.

In September 2019, a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) called New Providence was established to raise funds.

In March 2020, Vodafone and Rakuten invested in the company.

In October 2020, Nasa objected to a proposal given by AST SpaceMobile in which they wanted to launch 243 satellites in low Earth orbit. Nasa has recommended to AST SpaceMobile to change their proposed altitude to a safe level.

In April 2021, AST & Science was merged with a SPAC, New Providence, and a merged company called AST SpaceMobile was established. In the same month, AST SpaceMobile went public and got listed on the Nasdaq.