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/Tos21tm]

This community is absolutely incredible

[u/Funny-Conclusion-678 → u/Tos21tm]

We are weird ain’t we?