AST SpaceMobile Wins Massive $1B Japan Satellite Program with Rakuten

The Japanese government has officially selected AST SpaceMobile and its partner Rakuten to build a massive new satellite program. This definitive selection unlocks about $1 billion in government funding over the next three years. Combined with AST SpaceMobile’s own huge cash pile, this money will heavily help cover the costs of rocket launches, satellite gear, and ground stations. This technology will allow normal, everyday smartphones to connect directly to satellites, providing cellular coverage anywhere.

This provides huge validation and makes the company’s rollout in the region way safer. On top of helping fund the satellites, the win grants full commercial approval and locks down a dedicated cell frequency with Rakuten. Landing this program helps solve local funding hurdles while locking down an entire country’s mobile market for AST SpaceMobile’s technology.

[https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/asts-stock-logs-best-day-031545126.html](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/asts-stock-logs-best-day-031545126.html)