Japan will commit ¥148–150B to a Rakuten-led J-LEO project that includes AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) to fund satellites, ground stations and control systems for a D2D service launching in 2026 and expanding in 2027, after ASTS demonstrated emergency voice/data links to smartphones on Ireland’s Clare Island.
Previous Week Recap
- Japan Funding Rakuten-Led J-LEO Project: Japan to fund ~¥148–150B for Rakuten-led J-LEO project including AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), backing equipment, ground stations and control systems; D2D service aimed to start 2026, expand 2027
- AST SpaceMobile Emergency Trial Ireland: AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) powered an emergency trial on Ireland’s Clare Island, enabling voice and data on standard smartphones for responders via its satellite network when terrestrial service is down.
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