Technology news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Firefly inks $1.3 billion deal to supply engines for new AST SpaceMobile ‘Blacklift’ rocket
Firefly Aerospace has agreed to supply engines for AST SpaceMobile’s planned Blacklift rocket in a deal worth $1.3 billion. The agreement supports AST’s effort to develop its own launch capability as it builds a satellite network for broadband service directly to mobile phones and seeks greater control over access to space.
Firefly will provide 27 Miranda engines and nine Vira in-space engines for Blacklift’s first three rockets, and license AST to manufacture the engines later. AST is targeting a first launch in late 2028; it says the reusable rocket could carry up to five BlueBird satellites per flight. The company still plans to use outside launch providers and has more than 100 launch agreements, with roughly a dozen satellites launched since 2024.
In short
- Firefly’s engine deal with AST SpaceMobile is worth $1.3 billion.
- Engines are planned for the first three Blacklift rockets.
- AST aims for a debut launch in late 2028.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Developing its own launch capability could give AST SpaceMobile more control over launch timing and capacity as it builds a broadband satellite network, while the engine deal and future manufacturing licence may support a longer-term supply base. A reusable rocket designed to carry several satellites per flight could also help the company scale its constellation if its technical and commercial plans succeed.
The case against
A $1.3 billion commitment to a rocket targeted for its first launch in late 2028 carries substantial execution and financial risk, particularly while AST is still relying on outside launch providers and has launched only around a dozen satellites. Building a launch system alongside a satellite network could divert resources from deploying the service, and the stated capacity and timetable remain plans rather than demonstrated results.