US and Japan promote AST SpaceMobile LEO satellite infrastructure deal
What happened
The US and Japanese governments confirmed they are jointly promoting AST SpaceMobile and Rakuten under the US–Japan Technology Prosperity Deal for LEO satellite infrastructure. Michael Kratsios met with Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Toshiharu Fu, to promote this cooperation. This initiative places AST SpaceMobile within the broader strategic relationship between the two nations.
Why it matters
The project is framed as infrastructure that can advance economic development, technological leadership, and resilient communications. This deal aligns with priorities of both the US and Japanese governments, potentially providing AST SpaceMobile with access to substantial government-backed capital.
AST SpaceMobile is pursuing a J-LEO initiative in Japan, contrasting its strategy with Starlink's consumer focus.
Who's involved
- AST SpaceMobileAmerican satellite manufacturer involved in the LEO infrastructure project.
- Michael KratsiosDeputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer who met with Japan's Minister to promote the deal.
- JapanPartnering government promoting the LEO satellite infrastructure.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- AST SpaceMobileSpeculative
AST SpaceMobile could gain access to substantial non-dilutive government-backed capital, affecting its funding.
- JapanSpeculative
Japan might advance its national strategic interests in resilient communications and tech leadership, affecting infrastructure investment.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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AST SpaceMobile
American satellite manufacturer
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Michael Kratsios
Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer
Related events
- AST SpaceMobile announced its service deployment timeline and reported tracking below expected adoption rates.
- AST SpaceMobile, SpaceX, and L3Harris are all exposed to the competitive and volatile space industry, with AST SpaceMobile shares dropping since the SpaceX IPO.
- AST SpaceMobile is expanding its market reach, targeting subscriber bases in the US, Japan, and Europe, while Amazon develops a rival satellite internet constellation.
- Satellite companies like Starlink, AST SpaceMobile, and Viasat are expanding their services, leveraging ground stations in Singapore and pushing into Direct-to-Device connectivity.
- Launch availability is pacing constellation deployment, with the Commercial Space Federation predicting thousands of annual launches and Telesat being asked to share capacity.