$ASTS · AST SpaceMobile, Inc.
On November 9, 2026, AST SpaceMobile announced a joint venture with Rakuten Group to establish Rakuten AST, Inc., tasked with building a direct-to-device (D2D) LEO satellite network in Japan. Rakuten holds 51% and AST SpaceMobile Japan Holdings II GK holds 49%. The JV is expected to receive up to 148 billion yen over roughly three years under Japan's J-LEO project, with AST SpaceMobile supplying the satellites.
- Rakuten AST JV ownership: Rakuten Group 51% / AST SpaceMobile Japan Holdings II GK 49%.
- Up to 148 billion yen in MIC support over approximately three years via the J-LEO project.
- AST SpaceMobile will supply satellites to power Japan's sovereign D2D constellation.
- Domestic operations targeted to commence by end of March 2029.
- Next-gen satellites feature ~223 m² phased array, nearly double Block 1 BlueBird peak data speeds.
Shares rose +14.10% to $36.89 in the regular session, with extended-hours last trade at $35.50 (-3.77% vs close, +9.81% vs filing). The ~ government-backed award on a $15.06B market cap validates sovereign demand for AST's D2D technology.
A ~$1B government-funded sovereign constellation award validates AST SpaceMobile's D2D technology as critical national infrastructure and adds a major revenue pipeline.
This extends AST SpaceMobile's sovereign D2D footprint beyond its ~60 MNO agreements and partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, and Google, positioning it as a supplier of national satellite constellations.
Funding is contingent on JV establishment and receipt through CIAJ; service launch depends on regulatory approvals and satellite deployment timing. Forward-looking statements note risks around financing, regulatory approvals, and definitive agreement negotiations.