Rakuten Forms Satellite JV with AST SpaceMobile in Japan
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4 days ago
0mins
Source: stocktwits
- Joint Venture Formation: Rakuten plans to establish a satellite joint venture with AST SpaceMobile in Japan, with both parties holding equal stakes and Rakuten leading management; the satellite-to-smartphone service is expected to roll out in phases starting at the end of 2026, aiming for nationwide coverage by fiscal 2027, thereby challenging rivals using SpaceX's Starlink network.
- Increased Market Competition: This move positions Rakuten directly against Japan's larger wireless carriers, which already offer direct-to-mobile services using SpaceX's Starlink network, with KDDI launching its service last year and SoftBank and NTT Docomo planning to follow in 2026.
- Cautious Investment Scale: Although Rakuten did not disclose the specific investment size for the joint venture, it indicated that it
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Analyst Views on ASTS
Wall Street analysts forecast ASTS stock price to rise
8 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 65.620
Low
43.00
Averages
91.68
High
137.00
Current: 65.620
Low
43.00
Averages
91.68
High
137.00
About ASTS
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. is engaged in building a global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on its intellectual property (IP) and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. The Company is engaged in designing and developing the constellation of BlueBird (BB) satellites and has planned a space-based Cellular Broadband network distributed through a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Its SpaceMobile Service is being designed to provide high-speed cellular broadband services to end-users who are out of terrestrial cellular coverage using existing mobile devices. The Company intends to continue testing capabilities of the BW3 test satellite, including further testing with cellular service providers and the government. The Company has operations in India, Scotland, Spain, and Israel.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
AST SpaceMobile's Satellite Launch Strategy
- Satellite Launch Progress: AST SpaceMobile is targeting the launch of BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 in August 2026, which is expected to significantly enhance download speeds and further establish a commercial network, thereby strengthening its market competitiveness.
- Performance Enhancement: The company recently achieved a peak download speed of 98.9 Mbps from its satellite network to ordinary smartphones, with upcoming satellites expected to nearly double this speed, enhancing user experience and attracting more partners.
- Assembly and Launch Capacity: Management indicated that BlueBirds 11 through 33 are in advanced assembly stages, aiming for six satellites to be assembled monthly, demonstrating improved efficiency in satellite production to support its commercialization efforts.
- Optimistic Financial Outlook: Although revenue was only $14.7 million in Q1, management expects total revenue for 2026 to reach between $150 million and $200 million, with potential to approach $1 billion in 2027, indicating strong growth potential.
See More
Rocket Lab Stands Out in Space Economy Comparison
- Market Competition Analysis: Rocket Lab stands out in comparison with AST SpaceMobile and Redwire, as its value increases due to government and telecom operators seeking redundancy and strategic alternatives, despite SpaceX's dominance in the space economy.
- Investment Opportunity Signal: The 'Double Down' signal that flashed for Nvidia in 2009 is now reappearing as a 'Total Conviction' signal for a company significantly smaller than Nvidia, indicating potential new investment opportunities.
- Stock Market Dynamics: Market prices as of June 19, 2026, show that Rocket Lab's stock remains attractive in a competitive environment, likely appealing to investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
- Analyst Recommendations: The Motley Fool endorses Rocket Lab and AST SpaceMobile, suggesting these companies may experience significant growth in the future, prompting investors to pay attention to these potential investment opportunities.
See More
Rocket Lab Stands Out in Space Economy Comparison
- Market Competition Analysis: Rocket Lab stands out in a high-stakes comparison with AST SpaceMobile and Redwire, showcasing its unique value in the space economy, particularly as governments and telecom operators seek redundancy and strategic alternatives.
- Strategic Importance: While SpaceX dominates the space economy, its dominance may enhance the value of second-source providers like Rocket Lab, thereby increasing their market appeal and investment potential.
- Stock Price Performance: As of June 19, 2026, Rocket Lab's stock price rose by 4.67%, reflecting market recognition of its future growth potential, especially in the competitive space industry.
- Video Release Impact: The video published on June 28, 2026, further enhances Rocket Lab's market visibility, potentially attracting more investor attention to its role and opportunities in the space economy.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Emerges in Satellite Communication Market
- Market Outlook: AST SpaceMobile aims to connect ordinary smartphones directly through its space-based cellular network, targeting global mobile 'dead zones', contrasting sharply with SpaceX's IPO focus on broader satellite services.
- Revenue Growth: AST reported approximately $70.9 million in revenue for 2025, primarily from partnerships with mobile network operators and the U.S. government, indicating strong market interest in its direct-to-device services, which is expected to drive future revenue growth.
- Technological Advancements: AST has successfully completed the in-orbit deployment of BlueBird 6, touted as the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in low Earth orbit, with plans to launch 45 to 60 satellites by the end of 2026, further enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Risks and Challenges: Despite the attractiveness of AST's business model, it remains in a capital-intensive phase, facing stringent requirements for manufacturing and launch schedules, where successful deployment will validate its model, while any delays could negatively impact its future development.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Emerges in Satellite Broadband Market
- Expansive Market Potential: AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) is building a satellite broadband network that connects ordinary smartphones directly, targeting the launch of 45 to 60 satellites by the end of 2026, indicating its potential in the global mobile network landscape.
- Significant Revenue Commitments: AST has secured over $1.2 billion in contracted revenue commitments, reflecting strong partnerships with mobile network operators that are expected to drive future revenue growth and market share expansion.
- Leading Technological Innovation: The company has completed the in-orbit deployment of BlueBird 6, touted as the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in low Earth orbit, marking an enhancement in its technological capabilities and competitive edge in the market.
- Evolving Competitive Landscape: The SpaceX IPO has spotlighted the market for satellite-to-phone connectivity, positioning AST as a focused public company in this space, facing competitive pressures from giants like SpaceX while showcasing its unique market positioning and development strategy.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Shares Surge 11% Amid Launch Plans
- Accelerated Launch Plans: AST SpaceMobile has confirmed a follow-up launch of three BlueBird satellites in August, building on the successful launch of satellites 8, 9, and 10 on June 17, which could increase its launch cadence to one every two months, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Satellite Construction Progress: The 24 satellites currently under construction (BlueBirds 14 through 37) are expected to reach orbit by the end of 2027, providing a foundation for its direct-to-cell satellite network and driving future business growth.
- Dependency Risks: AST is currently 100% reliant on SpaceX for launch services, while SpaceX has 650 satellites in orbit, putting AST under pressure in market competition, especially as its satellite count remains in the double digits.
- Investor Confidence Boost: Despite the challenges of dependency and market competition, AST's ongoing progress and launch plans have instilled confidence in investors, as evidenced by an 11% stock price increase without any obvious positive news, indicating market recognition of its future potential.
See More
AST SpaceMobile's Satellite Launch Strategy
- Satellite Launch Progress: AST SpaceMobile is targeting the launch of BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 in August 2026, which is expected to significantly enhance download speeds and further establish a commercial network, thereby strengthening its market competitiveness.
- Performance Enhancement: The company recently achieved a peak download speed of 98.9 Mbps from its satellite network to ordinary smartphones, with upcoming satellites expected to nearly double this speed, enhancing user experience and attracting more partners.
- Assembly and Launch Capacity: Management indicated that BlueBirds 11 through 33 are in advanced assembly stages, aiming for six satellites to be assembled monthly, demonstrating improved efficiency in satellite production to support its commercialization efforts.
- Optimistic Financial Outlook: Although revenue was only $14.7 million in Q1, management expects total revenue for 2026 to reach between $150 million and $200 million, with potential to approach $1 billion in 2027, indicating strong growth potential.
See More
Rocket Lab Stands Out in Space Economy Comparison
- Market Competition Analysis: Rocket Lab stands out in comparison with AST SpaceMobile and Redwire, as its value increases due to government and telecom operators seeking redundancy and strategic alternatives, despite SpaceX's dominance in the space economy.
- Investment Opportunity Signal: The 'Double Down' signal that flashed for Nvidia in 2009 is now reappearing as a 'Total Conviction' signal for a company significantly smaller than Nvidia, indicating potential new investment opportunities.
- Stock Market Dynamics: Market prices as of June 19, 2026, show that Rocket Lab's stock remains attractive in a competitive environment, likely appealing to investors looking to diversify their portfolios.
- Analyst Recommendations: The Motley Fool endorses Rocket Lab and AST SpaceMobile, suggesting these companies may experience significant growth in the future, prompting investors to pay attention to these potential investment opportunities.
See More
Rocket Lab Stands Out in Space Economy Comparison
- Market Competition Analysis: Rocket Lab stands out in a high-stakes comparison with AST SpaceMobile and Redwire, showcasing its unique value in the space economy, particularly as governments and telecom operators seek redundancy and strategic alternatives.
- Strategic Importance: While SpaceX dominates the space economy, its dominance may enhance the value of second-source providers like Rocket Lab, thereby increasing their market appeal and investment potential.
- Stock Price Performance: As of June 19, 2026, Rocket Lab's stock price rose by 4.67%, reflecting market recognition of its future growth potential, especially in the competitive space industry.
- Video Release Impact: The video published on June 28, 2026, further enhances Rocket Lab's market visibility, potentially attracting more investor attention to its role and opportunities in the space economy.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Emerges in Satellite Communication Market
- Market Outlook: AST SpaceMobile aims to connect ordinary smartphones directly through its space-based cellular network, targeting global mobile 'dead zones', contrasting sharply with SpaceX's IPO focus on broader satellite services.
- Revenue Growth: AST reported approximately $70.9 million in revenue for 2025, primarily from partnerships with mobile network operators and the U.S. government, indicating strong market interest in its direct-to-device services, which is expected to drive future revenue growth.
- Technological Advancements: AST has successfully completed the in-orbit deployment of BlueBird 6, touted as the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in low Earth orbit, with plans to launch 45 to 60 satellites by the end of 2026, further enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Risks and Challenges: Despite the attractiveness of AST's business model, it remains in a capital-intensive phase, facing stringent requirements for manufacturing and launch schedules, where successful deployment will validate its model, while any delays could negatively impact its future development.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Emerges in Satellite Broadband Market
- Expansive Market Potential: AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) is building a satellite broadband network that connects ordinary smartphones directly, targeting the launch of 45 to 60 satellites by the end of 2026, indicating its potential in the global mobile network landscape.
- Significant Revenue Commitments: AST has secured over $1.2 billion in contracted revenue commitments, reflecting strong partnerships with mobile network operators that are expected to drive future revenue growth and market share expansion.
- Leading Technological Innovation: The company has completed the in-orbit deployment of BlueBird 6, touted as the largest commercial communications array ever deployed in low Earth orbit, marking an enhancement in its technological capabilities and competitive edge in the market.
- Evolving Competitive Landscape: The SpaceX IPO has spotlighted the market for satellite-to-phone connectivity, positioning AST as a focused public company in this space, facing competitive pressures from giants like SpaceX while showcasing its unique market positioning and development strategy.
See More
AST SpaceMobile Shares Surge 11% Amid Launch Plans
- Accelerated Launch Plans: AST SpaceMobile has confirmed a follow-up launch of three BlueBird satellites in August, building on the successful launch of satellites 8, 9, and 10 on June 17, which could increase its launch cadence to one every two months, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Satellite Construction Progress: The 24 satellites currently under construction (BlueBirds 14 through 37) are expected to reach orbit by the end of 2027, providing a foundation for its direct-to-cell satellite network and driving future business growth.
- Dependency Risks: AST is currently 100% reliant on SpaceX for launch services, while SpaceX has 650 satellites in orbit, putting AST under pressure in market competition, especially as its satellite count remains in the double digits.
- Investor Confidence Boost: Despite the challenges of dependency and market competition, AST's ongoing progress and launch plans have instilled confidence in investors, as evidenced by an 11% stock price increase without any obvious positive news, indicating market recognition of its future potential.
See More
