AST SpaceMobile discloses advanced talks on Japan J-LEO subsidy with Rakuten

In a July 15, 2026 filing, AST SpaceMobile said it was in advanced discussions with Rakuten, a shareholder, on the preliminary selection of RAST Co., Ltd. as an indirect recipient of Japan's J-LEO low-Earth-orbit subsidy. The expected value is up to 148 billion yen, about $1 billion. The company said there is no assurance the joint venture will be finalized or that government financing will be secured.

• Advanced discussions with Rakuten on preliminary selection of RAST Co., Ltd. for the J-LEO project
• Expected value up to 148 billion yen, approximately $1 billion
• No assurance that the joint venture will be finalized or that government financing will be secured
• Same filing included a preliminary liquidity update and the proposed convertible notes offering