--- title: "Why Is AST SpaceMobile Stock Soaring on Monday?" type: "News" locale: "en" url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/304892500.md" description: "AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) shares surged over 14% on Monday following a partnership with Rakuten to form Rakuten AST, Inc. This joint venture aims to develop a direct-to-smartphone satellite network in Japan using LEO satellites. The project was selected by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications under the J-LEO initiative, making it eligible for up to $1 billion in government funding. Operations are targeted to begin by March 2029." datetime: "2026-11-09T17:39:52.000Z" locales: - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/304892500.md) - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/304892500.md) - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/304892500.md) generator: "portal-rs" --- # Why Is AST SpaceMobile Stock Soaring on Monday? **AST SpaceMobile, Inc.** (NASDAQ:ASTS) shares are trading higher on Monday after the company partnered with Japan’s **Rakuten Group** to establish **Rakuten AST, Inc.**, a joint venture focused on developing a direct-to-device satellite communications network in Japan. The network will use low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide connectivity to commercially available smartphones and strengthen communications infrastructure during disasters and emergencies. ## Government Funding And Deployment Plans Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) selected the joint proposal under its Japan Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communications Project (J-LEO). Rakuten AST is eligible to receive up to 148 billion yen (approximately $1 billion) in government funding over roughly three years. **Read Also: Firefly, AST SpaceMobile Stocks Rise on $1.3B Rocket Engine Deal: What’s Happening?** Under the partnership, AST SpaceMobile will supply satellites for Japan’s sovereign mid-band satellite constellation. The companies aim to deploy and manage the satellites and begin domestic operations by the end of March 2029. The J-LEO project will use large-scale LEO satellites to extend broadband coverage to underserved areas and maintain connectivity during natural disasters through emergency roaming across mobile operators. ## Network Capabilities And Expansion Through Rakuten AST, the companies plan to build and operate a Japan-managed non-terrestrial network. AST SpaceMobile will supply satellites enabling high-speed internet, including video streaming and social media, on standard smartphones without specialized equipment. Rakuten AST also plans to explore global service expansion, subject to regulatory approval. ## AI And IoT Initiatives Separately, Rakuten Mobile will work with AST SpaceMobile on AI edge computing and AI-driven spectrum management to develop faster connectivity and IoT solutions for logistics, construction, agriculture and infrastructure monitoring. Rakuten Mobile also plans to begin commercial-environment testing of its satellite-to-mobile service in 2026 under its partnership with AST SpaceMobile, established in March 2020. ## ASTS Earnings Preview and Analyst Price Target Outlook The company will report third quarter earnings results after market close today. Analysts expect the company to report a loss of 40 cents per share and revenue of $46.64 million, according to Benzinga Pro estimates. **Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions:** The stock carries a Buy rating with an average price forecast of $75.39. Recent analyst moves include: - **Scotiabank**: Upgraded to Sector Outperform (Raises Target to $55.70) (Oct. 23) - **Piper Sandler**: Downgraded to Neutral (Lowers Target to $54.00) (Oct. 13) - **Deutsche Bank**: Upgraded to Buy (Maintains Target to $93.00) (Oct. 12) ## Top ASTS ETF Exposure: NASA, UFO, and JEDI Weightings - **Tema Space Innovators ETF** (NYSE:NASA): 5.48% Weight - **Procure Space ETF** (NASDAQ:UFO): 3.62% Weight - **Defiance Drone and Modern Warfare ETF** (NYSE:JEDI): 4.19% Weight **Significance:** Because ASTS carries significant weight in these funds, any significant inflows or outflows for these ETFs will likely force automatic buying or selling of the stock. **ASTS Price Action:** AST SpaceMobile shares were up 14.69% at $37.08 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data. **Read Also: What's Going On With Firefly Aerospace Stock Monday?** *Photo via Shutterstock* ### Related Stocks - [ASTS.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/ASTS.US.md) - [ASTG.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/ASTG.US.md) - [ASTN.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/ASTN.US.md) - [ASTT.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/ASTT.US.md) - [ASTX.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/ASTX.US.md) - [ASTY.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/ASTY.US.md) - [ASUP.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/ASUP.US.md) - [NASA.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/NASA.US.md) - [UFO.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/UFO.US.md) - [4755.JP](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/4755.JP.md) ## Related News & Research - [AST SpaceMobile and Rakuten Form Japan Satellite JV Backed by Up to $1 Billion](https://longbridge.com/en/news/305015718.md) - [Rakuten, AST SpaceMobile Form Joint Venture for Satellite Communications in Japan](https://longbridge.com/en/news/304804839.md) - [ASTS: Revenue expanded as satellite deployment advanced, but losses and execution risks remained substantial](https://longbridge.com/en/news/304914313.md) - [AST SpaceMobile Stock (ASTS) Set for 19% Move After Q3 Earnings Next Week, Say Options Traders](https://longbridge.com/en/news/304678080.md) - [ASTS Stock Soars as CEO Touts New Rocket Plan — SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin Set to Launch Its Satellites](https://longbridge.com/en/news/304978782.md) --- > **Disclaimer: This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.**