AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) has announced plans to develop its own reusable rocket, named Blacklift, to launch BlueBird communications satellites into low Earth orbit, using engines supplied by Firefly Aerospace (NASDAQ:FLY).
The 20-ton rocket is designed to carry up to five BlueBird satellites per launch, with operations expected to begin in late 2028. The project forms part of AST SpaceMobile’s strategy to bring satellite manufacturing and launch capabilities under its direct control, reducing dependence on third-party launch providers.
The company has signed agreements with Firefly covering engine technology licensing, initial engine deliveries and engineering support, with total consideration of approximately $1.3 billion.
Firefly Agreement Includes Engine Licensing and Manufacturing Rights
Under the agreements, AST SpaceMobile will acquire a perpetual licence to manufacture Firefly’s Miranda and Vira rocket engines, allowing it to establish production at a new US-based engine manufacturing facility.
The licensing agreement involves approximately $800 million in upfront consideration, comprising $400 million in cash and between 10 million and 14 million Class A common shares, with the final share count determined through a forward volume-weighted average price calculation.
AST SpaceMobile will also pay $250 million for engines supporting its first three Blacklift rockets and a further $250 million for engineering services over three years.
Firefly’s Miranda engine has undergone more than 175 hot-fire tests, accumulating over 4,200 seconds of testing. The engine has also completed a flight-like test at 110% of its rated performance, with a thrust rating of 230,000 pounds-force.
AST SpaceMobile said the established engine technology would allow it to accelerate rocket development rather than undertake a conventional five-to-ten-year engine development programme.
Blacklift to Support Satellite Network Expansion
Blacklift is intended to provide AST SpaceMobile with more predictable access to orbit while improving the economics of deploying its satellite constellation.
The company is developing a space-based cellular broadband network designed to connect directly with standard smartphones without requiring specialised equipment.
Its BlueBird satellites, which feature large phased-array antennas, are currently in production through BlueBird 51 at the company’s manufacturing facilities in Midland, Texas.
“The Blacklift rocket is the springboard to significantly expand our total addressable market, providing AST SpaceMobile with regular unconstrained access to orbit and providing for most favorable owners’ economics in the industry,” said Abel Avellan, founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AST SpaceMobile.
The company also expects the launch capability to support additional commercial and government applications, including secure communications, radar, emergency services, Internet of Things connectivity and AI-related computing infrastructure.
Existing Launch Agreements Cover More Than 100 Satellites
Despite developing its own rocket, AST SpaceMobile will continue working with external launch providers.
The company said its existing launch agreements now cover the deployment of more than 100 BlueBird satellites cumulatively between 2027 and 2028.
Blacklift is expected to supplement these arrangements from late 2028, providing additional flexibility as the satellite network expands.
AST SpaceMobile also has access to further launch opportunities for US government missions through its Defense Priorities and Allocations System-rated programme.
The company said bringing rocket manufacturing in-house would complete its planned end-to-end vertical integration, complementing its existing satellite design, production and testing capabilities.
Blacklift Unveiling Scheduled for November 12
AST SpaceMobile will formally unveil Blacklift at an event in New York City on November 12, 2026, with a webcast available through its investor relations website.
The project represents a significant expansion of the company’s manufacturing operations as it seeks to scale its satellite broadband network and broaden its presence in commercial and government communications markets.