ASTS, RKLB Fall 1% and 0.3% Overnight as SpaceX Halts Falcon 9 Bookings Beyond 2028

According to Bloomberg, AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) and Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares fell 1% and 0.3%, respectively, overnight on July 23 as SpaceX reportedly halted Falcon 9 bookings beyond 2028 and paused production of expendable hardware including upper-stage components. The move signals SpaceX's pivot toward Starship development, though Falcon 9 will continue supporting NASA and U.S. Department of Defense missions.

Rocket Lab could benefit from tighter Falcon 9 availability as its reusable Neutron rocket advances through development. The company recently completed a key engine test, positioning it as a potential alternative for customers facing Falcon 9 delays.