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AST SpaceMobile Unveils Blacklift Rocket

November 8, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

AST SpaceMobile plans to build a reusable rocket called Blacklift.
The rocket will use Firefly's Miranda and Vira engines.
First flights are targeted for late 2028.
The agreement with Firefly is valued at approximately $1.3 billion.

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Strategic Implications

This development may indicate a shift towards vertical integration in the satellite industry, as companies seek to control their own launch capabilities. The deal could also suggest that rocket engines are becoming a strategic component, with Firefly's perpetual license to AST potentially setting a precedent for future collaborations.

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What Happened

Reusable Rocket Targets Late 2028 Launch With Firefly Engines

AST SpaceMobile has announced plans to build a reusable rocket called Blacklift, with first flights targeted for late 2028. The rocket will use Firefly’s Miranda and Vira engines, and the agreement between the two companies is valued at approximately $1.3 billion. The move marks a significant development in the satellite industry, as AST seeks to expand its total addressable market with regular, unconstrained access to orbit. This was first reported by Tech Insider.

Source | Originally Published: November 8, 2026

Companies Mentioned