- The U.S. and Japan formally designated AST SpaceMobile and Rakuten Group's LEO satellite infrastructure on October 7, 2026, under the U.S.-Japan Technology Prosperity Deal.
- The joint statement from the October 4 Kyoto meeting between Michael Kratsios and Toshiharu Furukawa named AST SpaceMobile directly and endorsed its cooperation with Rakuten.
- Japan's communications ministry initially selected the Rakuten joint venture for the J-LEO initiative, a deal worth up to approximately $1 billion, which still requires government approvals and final agreements.
- Management said the Japanese-flagged satellites represent roughly half of the investment in those satellites in non-dilutive, non-debt capital.
- AST SpaceMobile reported Q2 revenue of $31.52 million, missing the $34.40 million expectation, with EPS of -$0.77 against a -$0.29 consensus, while pro forma liquidity tops $3.70 billion.
- AST SpaceMobile has 13 satellites in orbit and shipped three more to Cape Canaveral for launch, and William Blair analysts expect fewer than 20 satellites in orbit by year end.
- AST SpaceMobile completed a first satellite-to-smartphone integration test with Telus, with Telus customers expected to gain service within the next year.
Quotes
“Both sides welcomed Japan’s Rakuten Group and the U.S.-based AST SpaceMobile cooperation for the development and deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite infrastructure.”
“Our growing commercial and government programs, expansive spectrum portfolio, and fortified balance sheet provide us with the flexibility to capture opportunities across an expanding total addressable market.”