AST SpaceMobile commits $1.3 billion to engines for Blacklift

AST SpaceMobile is developing Blacklift, a reusable rocket intended to launch its BlueBird broadband satellites, and has agreed to a $1.3 billion engine-licensing and support package with Firefly Aerospace. The proposed launcher is designed to carry five BlueBird satellites at a time, with its first flight targeted for 2028. [2][4][8] Why it matters: BlueBird satellites are designed to deliver internet service directly to cell phones, so AST SpaceMobile's ability to put them in orbit affects deployment of that service. Blacklift would give the company its own launch capacity for five satellites per flight and reduce reliance on outside launch providers such as SpaceX, but it remains a development project. [2][4][8] Key insights: The agreement comprises $800 million upfront—half cash and half Class A Common Stock—plus $250 million for engines and $250 million for engineering services over three years. [4] | Firefly says it will deliver 27 Miranda engines and nine vacuum-variant Vira engines for the first three rockets: 36 engines in total. [4] | AST SpaceMobile describes Blacklift as a 20-ton rocket, putting its proposed capacity in the same category as Falcon 9 and Vulcan; that is a design classification, not demonstrated flight performance. [4] | AST SpaceMobile has launched 13 BlueBird satellites, including eight Block 2 versions, while Blacklift's first flight remains targeted for 2028. [8] Cheatsheet facts: What happened: AST SpaceMobile announced Blacklift and a $1.3 billion agreement with Firefly Aerospace covering engine licensing, engines and engineering support. [4][8] | Background: AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites provide internet service directly to cell phones; the company wants Blacklift to launch those satellites rather than depend entirely on outside rocket providers. [2][8] | Why: The proposed rocket would carry five BlueBird satellites per flight, giving AST SpaceMobile dedicated capacity to expand its constellation. [4] | Who pays: AST SpaceMobile will provide $800 million upfront in equal parts cash and stock, plus $250 million for engines and $250 million for engineering services. [4] | What's next: The announced first-flight target is 2028; Firefly's initial engine package covers the first three rockets. [4][8]