Orbiting Pizza

Engineer, retail investor

[Orbiting Pizza @orbiting_pizza]

@oskar_mirek @planetsidemarco @FireflySpace Very different to build composite fuel tanks

[Orbiting Pizza @orbiting_pizza]

@planetsidemarco @FireflySpace What's your take on making the fuel tanks out of composite? Isn't that borderline impossible especially given the 2 years timeline?

[Orbiting Pizza @orbiting_pizza]

@TimmyTyler76 @retail_mourinho In NYC?

[Rakuten Group @RakutenGroup]

Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile are launching Rakuten AST, a joint venture to build a D2D satellite network in Japan🚀

With $1B in support from Japan’s MIC, Rakuten AST will build disaster-resilient, uninterrupted communications infrastructure for Japan.

https://t.co/qvvmzdFyG3

[Scott Wisniewski @scottwisniews]

Thrilled to announce J-LEO final award today alongside partner Rakuten!

~$1 billion in non-dilutive funding towards spacecraft and launch from the Japan Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Accelerates space-based cellular sovereign connectivity for Japan, while supporting additional coverage around the world.

[AST SpaceMobile @AST_SpaceMobile]

Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile Establish "Rakuten AST" Joint Venture to Build D2D Satellite Communications Network in Japan - https://t.co/wsli6OFB2n

#ASTSpaceMobile #Broadband #ConnectingtheUnconnected #BlueBirds

[Anp🅰️nman @spacanpanman]

🚨🇯🇵🇺🇸RAKUTEN AND AST SPACEMOBILE ESTABLISH "RAKUTEN AST" JOINT VENTURE TO BUILD D2D COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK IN JAPAN

➡️Approximately USD 1 billion in funding awarded from Japan’s MIC to support deployment of Japanese-flagged mid-band satellite constellation

➡️Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile to build disaster-resilient, uninterrupted communications infrastructure, strengthening economic security for Japan

➡️AST SpaceMobile to supply satellites to power Japan's sovereign direct-to-device constellation

Tokyo and Midland, Texas, November 9, 2026 – Rakuten Group, Inc. and AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, agreed to establish Rakuten AST, Inc. on November 6, 2026 (Japan Standard Time)*1. The joint venture is tasked with building a direct-to-device communications network in Japan using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide service to commercially available smartphones, strengthening Japan’s communications infrastructure in the event of disasters and other emergencies.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) selected the joint proposal from Rakuten’s preparatory company and Rakuten Mobile, Inc. for the publicly solicited "J-LEO: Japan Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communications Project"*2. Rakuten AST is expected to receive up to 148 billion yen (approx. 1 billion USD) in support over approximately three years under J-LEO, through the Communications and Information Network Association of Japan (CIAJ), the organization established to manage the fund*3,4. Through this joint venture, Rakuten AST will collaborate with AST SpaceMobile to deploy and manage satellites compatible with mid-band spectrum, in order to establish a satellite communications network and commence domestic operations by the end of March 2029.

The J-LEO Project will leverage the largest communication satellites ever deployed in LEO to build domestic communications infrastructure that enables direct satellite-to-smartphone connectivity and strengthens economic security. In addition to extending cellular broadband connectivity to areas with limited or no terrestrial coverage, the project aims to ensure cellular broadband connectivity during emergencies, such as natural disasters, by establishing a framework for emergency inter-carrier roaming among mobile network operators.

Through Rakuten AST, Rakuten and Rakuten Mobile aim to establish a non-terrestrial network (NTN) managed and operated in Japan. The companies will deploy and operate a resilient, stable communications infrastructure capable of maintaining priority and stable connectivity, independent of external conditions – even in times of emergency.

The satellite communications service to be deployed by Rakuten AST will leverage AST SpaceMobile's large-scale satellites to enable high-speed internet connectivity — such as video streaming and social media — on off-the-shelf smartphones without the need for specialized equipment*5. Because the base station equipment is installed on ground-based infrastructure, Japanese telecommunications operators can flexibly and autonomously manage and operate the network.

AST SpaceMobile will supply the satellites to power Japan's sovereign D2D constellation. Beyond priority Japanese domestic market usage, Rakuten AST also plans to work with AST SpaceMobile to provide these services through AST SpaceMobile to its customers worldwide, subject to regulatory approval.

Rakuten Mobile will also work with AST SpaceMobile to advance the use of AI edge computing and plans to develop AI-driven spectrum management technology, exploring their application for higher-speed data communications and industry-specific solutions such as IoT. The company aims to expand its solution offerings beyond telecommunications carriers to include connectivity-reliant industries, such as logistics, infrastructure monitoring, construction and agriculture.

Mickey Mikitani, Chairman and CEO, Rakuten Group, commented, "This project is a key pillar of Rakuten Mobile's network strategy. By building an integrated framework spanning satellite procurement through operations and accelerating technological innovation, we will contribute to the development of disaster-resilient communications infrastructure and the improvement of Japan's communications environment. We will maximize capital efficiency and pursue the expansion of business opportunities in the satellite communications sector."

Abel Avellan, Founder, Chairman and CEO, AST SpaceMobile, commented, "This represents a significant milestone for AST SpaceMobile and validates the importance of space-based cellular broadband connectivity as countries around the world increasingly recognize the technology as a critical complement to terrestrial wireless infrastructure to realize the goal of 100% broadband availability wherever people work, live and travel. Through our technology, we will enhance the resilience of Japan's communications infrastructure while strengthening our global network by leveraging capacity that can also be utilized outside of Japan.”

In addition to this project, Rakuten Mobile plans to begin commercial-environment testing of its satellite-to-mobile service within 2026, under the strategic partnership between Rakuten and AST SpaceMobile established in March 2020*6.

Rakuten, Rakuten Mobile and AST SpaceMobile will continue working toward the early realization of D2D satellite communications, advancing the development of resilient communications networks.

Overview of Joint Venture
Company Name: Rakuten AST, Inc.
Head Office: 1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Legal Capital: 100 million yen
Voting Rights Ratio: Rakuten Group, Inc. 51% / AST SpaceMobile Japan Holdings II GK, a Japan-based wholly owned indirect subsidiary of AST SpaceMobile, Inc. 49%
Representative: Ryoji Osaka, Representative Director & CEO
Date of Establishment: November 2026 (planned)
Business Description: Satellite procurement, and the operation and management of satellite connectivity.

Notes
*1 The new company will be established under an agreement between Rakuten Group, Inc. and AST SpaceMobile Japan Holdings II GK, a Japanese entity established by AST SpaceMobile, Inc. through AST & Science, LLC.

*2 The J-LEO Project was publicly solicited for indirect subsidy recipients (private companies) through the Japan Communications and Information Network Industry Association (CIAJ), the designated foundation operator.

*3 A joint proposal by RAST, Inc. (a preparatory company for Rakuten) and Rakuten Mobile was selected for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Japan Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communications Project"(*Japanese page)
*4 Grant to be received through CIAJ after establishment of Rakuten AST.

*5 AST provides large-scale satellite hardware and core technology, backed by approximately 3,900 patents held and applications pending. The next-generation satellites will feature the largest phased array ever deployed in low Earth orbit (approximately 223 m²), designed to deliver peak data speeds nearly double those of the company's initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites. The Block 1 BlueBird satellites have demonstrated the ability to connect directly to standard smartphones, achieving a peak downlink speed of 98.9 Mbps, and have proven capable of delivering voice, broadband data, and video applications from space to consumers, enterprises, emergency responders and governments. The company has signed agreements with approximately 60 mobile network operators representing over 3 billion subscribers, and has established strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Google, American Tower, Bell, Telus, and stc group, in addition to Rakuten.

*6 Related press release: Rakuten and Vodafone Invest in AST & Science’s Space Venture to Reach More People, Devices and Places with Mobile CoverageAbout AST SpaceMobile, Inc.

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to enable 4G and 5G space-based cellular broadband to every device, everywhere, for today’s nearly 6 billion mobile subscribers globally. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.

About Rakuten
Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE: 4755) is a global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and telecommunications to 2.2 billion members around the world. The Rakuten Group has around 30,000 employees, and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://t.co/OulXP7UC4A.

About Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile, Inc. is a Rakuten Group company responsible for mobile communications, centered on its mobile network operator (MNO) business. Through continuous innovation and the deployment of advanced technology, Rakuten Mobile aims to redefine expectations in the mobile communications industry in order to provide appealing and convenient services for diverse customer needs. For more information on Rakuten Mobile visit https://t.co/H10nyVqsKv.

[Will Townsend @WillTownTech]

Great to hear from @AST_SpaceMobile at B6GS and its commitment to MNOs for D2C satellite connectivity.

I've also learned today that AST's architecture is designed to preserve data sovereignty and is also optimized to utilize low band spectrum to maximize reach with some limited capability for indoor coverage.

One of the early criticisms of the company was the massive size of its satellites relative to others. However, as AI workloads grow, they will require significant uplink improvement. Physics dictate that a satellite's size matters on this point, and the company is well positioned to deliver needed bandwidth well into the future as its constellation grows. 🚀🛰️

[Rohan Goswami @rogoswami]

AT&T, T-Mobile will kick Boost Mobile off their spectrum if Musk moves forward with Boost takeover — sources. Executives at both companies have separately discussed. @semafor $T $TMUS $ECHO $SPCX

[AST SpaceMobile @AST_SpaceMobile]

AST SpaceMobile Awarded U.S. Space Force Contract Through STR to Advance Space-Based Sensing Capabilities

https://t.co/nUB9BgrysB

[Gino The Ghost @GinoTheGhost]

Trump betrayed his own cult and squandered one of the biggest political opportunities in modern history.

He inherited the House, Senate, a 6-3 Supreme Court, a popular vote victory, and a sweep of every swing state. Republicans were winning the culture war. He had an actual mandate and a base ready to follow him anywhere.

Instead, he dragged us into a pointless war nobody wanted, gave us disastrous tariffs, higher costs, militarized policing, DOGE, crypto grifts, pardons for criminals, Epstein stonewalling, attacks on the Constitution, blatant self-enrichment, and virtually zero meaningful legislation.

Meanwhile, he's posting AI slop, obsessing over a ballroom nobody gives a fuck about, botching the Reflecting Pool, and picking fights with our allies.

And America is clearly exhausted. Many Republicans are tired of the narcissism, childish name-calling, nonstop vitriol, and manufactured hysteria about Democrats wanting to “trans your kids.” People want their lives to get better. They want affordability, stability, and some semblance of normalcy. They don't want to hear about John Husted's ass.

I see this as a nationwide rejection of what MAGA has become. It's joever.

An absolutely generational bag fumble.

[Orbiting Pizza @orbiting_pizza]

@Edyy55 @ASTS_SpaceMob "only"

[Orbiting Pizza @orbiting_pizza]

@Blond1n1 Because when your pedo president does something retarded we have to pay more for everything

[Orbiting Pizza @orbiting_pizza]

@escapefrommelos No she's not. She'd be considered a 10 here

[JerryRigEverything @ZacksJerryRig]

Don't forget @elonmusk spent $474 Million dollars on tonight and that just makes it all the more special.

[Dave @HangryDBowman]

Long post worth the read. I have a close friend who flies private jets. He flew Lear 60 for over 15 years and now flies a Gulfstream. This is a copy and paste of his response to me asking him if he thought Ice was the issue.

“We always fly in ridiculous cold temperatures.”

“Usually you get the bad ice when the temperatures are like 0 to negative 20. Believe it or not, there's a point where it gets too cold for ice. At negative 40, you pretty much can't get ice. Besides that, the airplane is equipped with hot wings and hot tail.”

“I flew the Lear 60 for like 15 years. It's a no joke airplane and probably the most dangerous airplane I've ever flown. It has a super critical wing. The airflow has to be perfect. When it gets into rough air and turbulence, it will easily stall. It has stalled on me at 41,000 feet just because we got into some turbulence. (On the way to Palm Beach as a matter of fact. ) we recovered and got her flying again around 30,000 ft. Scary

But here's the problem. This airplane has a terrible coffin corner. (At high altitudes) what that means is, you fly in a really narrow window where if you lose 20 knots, it stalls. And if you gain 20 knots, it goes into overspeed. The air goes supersonic over the wing and it goes into a high speed stall, or worse, a Mach tuck.

So if you stall, the normal recovery is to push the yoke forward to lower the nose and gain air speed again. At low altitude, you can push really hard and recover quickly. But in the 60... if you push hard, it will gain air speed and go into a high speed stall, it doesn't take much. It's very sensitive. The 60 has super short wings that don't make much lift. So then you high speed stall, and the computer is yelling at you... OVERSPEED! So then you pull back and enter a low speed stall. And you go back and forth trying to keep it in the air speed window.

This whole thing is pretty scary. And you should recover basically by using your finger tips using super small corrections. You can't over do it. If you try to muscle the recovery, she gets mad and will become unrecoverable. If she enters a mach tuck. You're done.”

“I taught the Lear 60 to other pilots and mentored them. I told them... this airplane has a soul and it's trying to kill you. Do not ever try to top the weather. Don't go over a thunderstorm. Go around it. If it means a half hour longer, then do it. Going over the thunderstorm will go into turbulence that you might not recover from.

These pilots went right over a thunderstorm. I think it stalled which caused them to drop down into the thunderstorm and ended up in mach tuck. They picked up so much speed that it ripped off the horizontal stabilizer. At that point... chuck Yeager can't fix it.

These same pilots did something similar a couple months ago. ATC got mad at them. They poked the bear one too many times.

This is not a beginner airplane. The Gulfstream would never do this. It has HUGE margins of error and won't stall like that. But then again... it's got HUGE wings. It's a pussy cat.

The Gulfstream is like driving a 4 wheeler. The Lear 60 is like riding a uni cycle.”

[Nicholas J. Fuentes @NickJFuentes]

Get out and vote Democrat today 🌊🗳️

[IsTMFwrongtoday? @IsTMFwrongToday]

Yes.

$ASTS

[Shay Boloor @StockSavvyShay]

$ASTS and $T just completed a seamless handoff from a cell tower to a BlueBird satellite using $NOK network equipment.

Great example of how BlueBird can function like another cell site on AT&T's existing network paving way for satellite broadband on everyday smartphones.

[First Squawk @FirstSquawk]

AT&T, AST SPACEMOBILE ACHIEVE FIRST GROUND-TO-SATELLITE HANDOFF - CJ