Firefly Aerospace will provide propulsion hardware for the first three Blacklift rockets, which are being developed to support AST SpaceMobile's commercial satellite network. The deal includes core and in-space engines alongside licensing rights that let the communications company manufacture the engines internally in the future. The reusable heavy-lift launcher is scheduled to make its inaugural flight in late 2028.
Key points
AST SpaceMobile is actively developing its own heavy-lift rocket to reduce operational re…: AST SpaceMobile is actively developing its own heavy-lift rocket to reduce operational reliance on SpaceX Falcon 9 launches.
The newly commissioned Blacklift rocket is officially scheduled to make its debut launch…: The newly commissioned Blacklift rocket is officially scheduled to make its debut launch in late 2028.
The rocket will directly facilitate the deployment of a satellite constellation designed…: The rocket will directly facilitate the deployment of a satellite constellation designed for global cellular broadband service.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
WASHINGTON, Nov 6 : Firefly Aerospace will supply core engines for a new rocket under development by satellite communications firm AST SpaceMobile in a $1.3 billion deal, underscoring a push among satellite companies to secure dependable access to space.
The engine deal, announced on Friday, is a key part of new plans by AST SpaceMobile to develop its own heavy-lift rocket named Blacklift as it races to deploy a satellite constellation for global cellular broadband service and wean itself off a reliance on third-party rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9.
Firefly will build and supply 27 of its new Miranda engines and 9 in-space Vira engines for the first three Blacklift rockets under the agreement, which also grants a license to AST to eventually manufacture the engines itself.
AST said it is targeting late 2028 for the debut launch of Blacklift, an ambitious development timeline. The company said the rocket is "designed for reusability" and can loft up to five of its BlueBird satellites per launch.
The multi-year supplier partnership solidifies critical launch infrastructure for AST SpaceMobile's emerging heavy deployment plans. By securing specialized propulsion units from an external partner, the venture aims to advance production for its designated launch vehicle. The substantial financial commitment marks a significant milestone in commercial space collaborations despite remaining operational uncertainties.
European meteorological forecasters are set to gain unprecedented tracking capabilities for severe weather events following a milestone transmission from geostationary orbit. The newly captured views, taken roughly 36,000 kilometres above Earth, showcase high-frequency scanning that will significantly enhance emergency warnings across the continent. When operational, the platform will offer observations every 2.5 minutes to monitor rapidly shifting natural hazards.
Commercial aerospace developments in East Asia are gaining state backing as regional launch capabilities expand. Japanese startup Interstellar Technologies has secured fresh governmental capital to assist its ongoing rocket development initiatives. This targeted financial injection reflects national priorities to foster domestic orbital launch capacity amid a competitive global market.