BUZZ-AST SpaceMobile gains on securing new $43 mln contract

Satellite communications firm AST SpaceMobile's ASTS.O shares jump 15.5% to $30.23

ASTS secures new contract worth $43 mln to support the U.S. Development Agency through a prime contractor

"This second contract supporting the SDA underscores the confidence in AST SpaceMobile's innovative technology," says Chris Ivory, head of government business at ASTS

Up to last close, ASTS shares have risen nearly eight-fold in the past 12 months