AST SpaceMobile stock rises as BlueBird launch, Rakuten JV plans emerge

AST SpaceMobile ASTS shares rose more than 4% on Tuesday after the company outlined the launch timeline for its next batch of BlueBird satellites and disclosed plans to expand into Japan through a joint venture with Rakuten Group.

The stock's gains came after recent weakness across the space sector, which has been under pressure following the initial public offering of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX).

Tuesday's move put AST SpaceMobile shares on track to reverse a two-session decline.

The company is continuing to expand its space-based cellular broadband network, which is designed to provide direct connectivity to standard smartphones without requiring specialized hardware.

BlueBird satellites scheduled for August launch

AST SpaceMobile said its BlueBird 11, 12, and 13 satellites are targeted for launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, during the first half of August.

The satellites will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket into low Earth orbit and follow the successful deployment of BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 last week.

According to the company, the new satellites are expected to deliver nearly double the peak data speeds achieved by the initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites, which recently recorded download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones.

BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 feature commercial communications arrays measuring approximately 2,400 square feet and utilize the company's stackable satellite architecture, including advanced composite carbon structures designed to support multi-satellite launches.

"With each successful launch, we move closer to our goal of making space-based cellular broadband accessible wherever people live, work, and travel," said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile.

The company said it is currently producing and assembling satellites through BlueBird 37.

The exact launch schedule remains subject to factors including launch provider readiness, weather conditions, and other variables outside the company's control.

Rakuten partnership targets Japanese market

Separately, a Nikkei report said Rakuten Group plans to form a joint venture with AST SpaceMobile in Japan this year to manage satellite operations and provide direct-to-smartphone connectivity services.

Under the proposed arrangement, the joint venture will purchase and operate satellites, enabling Rakuten to compete with Japanese telecommunications carriers already offering satellite-based services. The size of the planned investment was not disclosed.

The partnership would add to AST SpaceMobile's existing strategic relationships, which include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.

The company said it has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators worldwide representing more than 3 billion subscribers combined.

Insider-linked share sale disclosed

In a separate development, a regulatory filing on Monday revealed that AA Gables 2 has proposed selling 2.5 million shares of AST SpaceMobile Class A common stock.

The proposed sale represents a market value of approximately $183 million.

AST SpaceMobile founder, chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Abel Avellan serves as the sole member and managing member of AA Gables 2.

Despite the proposed share sale, investors focused on the company's operational progress and expanding international opportunities as AST SpaceMobile advances its efforts to build a global space-based cellular broadband network.