Firefly inks $1.3 billion deal to supply engines for new AST SpaceMobile 'Blacklift' rocket

Firefly Aerospace has inked a $1.3 billion deal to provide engines for AST SpaceMobile's upcoming heavy-lift rocket, dubbed Blacklift, according to a November 6 announcement. The engines deal is a significant step for satellite companies seeking reliable access to space, as AST SpaceMobile accelerates its efforts to establish a global cellular broadband service via its satellite constellation, aiming to reduce dependence on third-party rockets such as SpaceX's Falcon 9.

Under the agreement, Firefly will build and supply 27 Miranda engines and 9 in-space Vira engines for the first three Blacklift rockets. AST also obtained a license to eventually manufacture the engines in-house. The company anticipates launching the Blacklift rocket by late 2028, with the rocket being designed for reusability and capable of carrying up to five BlueBird satellites per launch.