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AST SpaceMobile Unveils $1.3B Engine Deal with Firefly Aerospace

November 8, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

AST SpaceMobile and Firefly Aerospace sign $1.3 billion engine deal.
The deal powers a new heavy-lift rocket called Blacklift.
Blacklift will launch BlueBird satellites starting in 2028.
Firefly will deliver 27 Miranda engines and nine Vira engines.

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Strategic Implications

This partnership may signal a significant shift in the space industry, as AST SpaceMobile gains control over its launch schedule and Firefly Aerospace expands its rocket production capabilities. The deal suggests a growing demand for launch vehicles and could indicate a new era of collaboration between space companies.

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What Happened

Texas-Based Companies Partner on Heavy-Lift Rocket Engine

AST SpaceMobile and Firefly Aerospace have announced a $1.3 billion agreement to license a rocket engine for a new heavy-lift rocket called Blacklift. The proposed launcher will be capable of launching five BlueBird satellites at a time and is expected to start operations in 2028. The deal involves $800 million upfront and $250 million for engineering services over three years. According to Spaceflight Now, this partnership marks a significant development in the space industry, with both companies poised to benefit from the agreement.

Source | Originally Published: November 7, 2026

Companies Mentioned