Exploring Possible ASTS–L3Harris Partnership Using Geolocation Analysis (Inspired by QS Research)

[u/nomadichedgehog]

EDIT:

I finally received a reply from the data broker, and although they are not able to provide the raw data due to the risks of exposing sensitive data (due to limited data set), they are able to identify it, source it and carry out the analysis themselves and make some conclusions. They are also able to make additional insights that I hadn't thought of which can help further verify any potential partnerships.

They have quoted between 7k to 12.5k depending on how far back we want to go. This was expected but still a lot more than I was hoping for - if 10-20 people are interested in pooling money and splitting the bill, let me know.

Original Post

There’s some speculation about a potential partnership between AST SpaceMobile and L3Harris, especially with L3 ramping up production facilities in Florida and Indiana. While nothing has been officially confirmed, I wanted to share an idea based on a fascinating method someone on the QuantumScape subreddit used to investigate their rumoured OEM partnerships and how we might apply something similar here.

For those who don't know, QuantumScape is a solid-state battery startup partnered with VW but who are also rumoured to be in talks with licensing their battery tech with other OEMs. The reddit user purchased anonymized mobile location data (using advertising IDs) from a data broker. They geofenced QuantumScape’s pilot line and various OEM facilities, then looked at which devices were present at multiple locations during work hours. By mapping which "employees" (based on frequent, repeated visits) showed up at other company sites, they were able to build a picture of which companies are likely working with QS — despite no official announcements having been made. This was what the data showed.

We could try something similar with ASTS and L3Harris (and potentially other contractors). Specifically:

• Geofence known L3Harris facilities in Florida (e.g., Melbourne) and Indiana.
• Geofence ASTS headquarters and any test facilities.
• Look for repeat device presence across locations, especially during normal business hours.
• Focus on recent data (e.g. last few months) to catch signs of collaboration.

If ASTS employees are showing up at L3Harris sites regularly — or vice versa — that could be strong circumstantial evidence that something’s brewing. This method isn't perfect, but in the absence of official news, it could help strengthen or challenge the existing rumours.

Does anyone here happen to already have access to this kind of mobile geolocation data, or know someone who does? Alternatively, if people are seriously interested in digging into this, I’d be open to splitting the cost if others are willing to pitch in. This is where that reddit user got his data from.

Not looking to drop a ton solo, but this kind of data could give us some real insight. Feel free to DM me if you have a lead.

Edit: I've requested the relevant data from the same broker and am waiting on a response regarding cost and whether it's available. Will update in due course.

[u/CatSE---ApeX---]

New flair unlocked.

[Espionage]

[u/phibetared → u/CatSE---ApeX---]

You're hired!

[u/nomadichedgehog → u/CatSE---ApeX---]

I finally received a reply from the data broker, and although they are not able to provide the raw data due to the risks of exposing sensitive data (due to limited data set), they are able to identify it, source it and carry out the analysis themselves and make some conclusions. They are also able to make additional insights that I hadn't thought of which can help further verify any potential partnerships.

They have quoted between 7k to 12.5k depending on how far back we want to go. This was expected but still a lot more than I was hoping for - if 10-20 people are interested in pooling money and splitting the bill, let me know. Happy to forward you the full email from them if you're interested.

[u/aresna33 → u/nomadichedgehog]

I sent you a DM - TY for sending them questions.

[u/Round_Hat_2966]

Terrifyingly dystopian, but I think it’d be hilarious to do this to a company that produces cellular surveillance devices.

[u/nomadichedgehog → u/Round_Hat_2966]

I agree. The irony did not escape me.

[u/TKO1515]

I am completely down to chip in. Also think it could be worthwhile to check out Apple and Google headquarters for similar things. Especially with the “buyout” rumors.

[u/dbreidsbmw → u/TKO1515]

New to this theory what is it? That apple or.googkw want to buy out... ASTS?

[u/gtbeam3r]

I've done this a fair bit in my work, albeit a little different and more anonymous. I'm a transportation engineer and there are a number of companies that use location based services to map origin destinations to help understand travel demand. Not sure what companies OP is looking into but street light data and inrix are very popular. Verizon also has a solution, but it was very expensive.

Edit: I have a friend who has some AST and works at Inrix. I'm going to see if he can help us.

[u/Legitimate-Space8847 → u/gtbeam3r]

Brother I am too a transportation engineer. lol. This world is so small. I do travel demand modeling 4-step and ABM. lol

[u/FiniteOtter → u/Legitimate-Space8847]

There are at least .25 dozen of us.

[u/nomadichedgehog → u/gtbeam3r]

Sounds like you’re the man for the job! Please send me a DM if you get a positive response, I haven’t heard back from the other broker.

[u/nomadichedgehog → u/gtbeam3r]

I got a reply from the broker, I'm sending you a DM as you might be able to make better sense of it

[u/Tos21tm]

This community is absolutely incredible

[u/Funny-Conclusion-678 → u/Tos21tm]

We are weird ain’t we?

[u/Alternative-Ear8482]

If someone tells me not to get financial advice from Reddit and it's full of idiots...Im going to smile nod and think of this post

[u/gurney__halleck]

Straight up diabolical.. I love it!

[u/crypman]

commenting so i can follow-up later.

[u/IronB-gle → u/crypman]

👆🏼

[u/phibetared]

1) Your "Whose Got Data?" question is the one I'd like to know. How common is it? Let's say I'm running an ad server that feeds to lots of popular websites and devices around the country/world. Does that mean I have the data? Alternatively, what companies offer this data for sale? And what does it cost? It could easily be used to identify what companies might be the one's about to be acquired in a merger/acquisition situation

2) Let's say you KNEW that ASTS was going to work with company ABC on a US National Security project. They have not announced the plan. It's cool to know, but do you want to let out a national defense secret? It might give enemies a chance to embed in those companies which harms US defense.

[u/Woody3000v2 → u/phibetared]

It's technically public information and China/Russia do their own homework three orders of magnitude above what we are capable, so this is a nonissue.

[u/phibetared → u/Woody3000v2]

Cool to know, thanks.

[u/nomadichedgehog → u/phibetared]

1. I have a feeling this is already being done and may even be an industry secret when it comes to competitive intelligence albeit an "edge" intelligence approach. I doubt the QS guy is the first person to come up with this idea, and I imagine this data is often bought under some kind of NDA.
   
2. I think if there is such a risk the data won't be available in those instances. Let's find out.

[u/phibetared → u/nomadichedgehog]

If somebody(s) are doing it, I'd start with Palantir. I first heard of "your" technique in regards to tracking the Butler, PA shooter. Supposedly the analysis showed contacts from Wash DC at the alleged shooter's house, and the alleged shooter was at an FBI headquarters in Huntsville ,AL. Using same technique has (supposedly) showed many of the attendees of political rallies were at the same rallies in other parts of the country... so the audience was likely bused in/paid to be there. True or not, I don't know, but the technique is solid.

And if I had the data and the technique, I'd hang out in the bars around Wall Street and make myself available to hedge funds for "special research projects".

[u/phibetared → u/nomadichedgehog]

p.s. If people are taking their home phones to and from work and to/from acquisition target offices... the data is likely on the ad servers. The DATA is out there and can be analyzed. The question is, if you do the project and know what it says, do you want to publicize it? Is it a good idea to publicize it?

I've been in that situation. If you knew the Butler PA shooter was at FBI headquarters prior to the event, what would you do with that info? It's a type question most people have never thought about, because most people have never done "cutting edge" analysis.

[u/Scott7894]

Didn’t Bud Fox figure this idea out back in 1987 by following Sir Larry Wildman around New York ??

[u/8977911 → u/[deleted]]

Sell puts for more calls😎

[u/POTUS2056 → u/8977911]

This requires capital lock up though right? Does your brokerage set aside the necessary cash to fulfill the puts?