AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) experienced a significant pre-market surge, with its stock price rising 8.17% during the early trading session.

The rally is supported by positive expectations surrounding the company's strategic joint venture with Rakuten Group to develop and offer direct-to-mobile communications services in Japan. According to reports, the two companies will hold approximately equal shares in the venture, with Rakuten leading management. The service is planned to roll out in phases starting late this year, with nationwide coverage targeted for fiscal 2027 and potential for global expansion thereafter.

Additionally, the company announced that BlueBird satellites 11, 12, and 13 are targeted for launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket in the first half of August, which will further expand its direct-to-smartphone broadband network. The broader space sector has also shown signs of stabilization following recent declines, contributing to improved investor sentiment.