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

What happened

Firefly Aerospace agreed to supply engines for AST SpaceMobile’s planned Blacklift rocket in a $1.3 billion deal. Firefly will provide 27 Miranda engines and nine in-space Vira engines for the first three rockets, and AST received a license to eventually make the engines itself. AST targets a late-2028 debut launch.

Confirmed

Global impact / market context

The deal gives Firefly a large supply contract and ties its engine business to AST’s effort to build its own route to space. If Blacklift works, AST could depend less on outside launch providers, while Firefly may gain future engine sales; delays could postpone those benefits.

Analyst inference

Satellite companies have struggled to book launches as major providers increasingly reserve missions for their own satellite networks. That creates a reason for AST to pursue Blacklift, but its late-2028 target and plan to develop a reusable rocket make execution important for both companies’ expected returns.

Analyst inference

What to watch

1. Track whether Firefly delivers the 27 Miranda and nine Vira engines for the first three rockets, since delays could hold up Blacklift development and related payments. Analyst inference
2. Watch for AST updates on the late-2028 debut target and rocket development; the company says Blacklift is designed for reuse and can carry up to five BlueBird satellites. Confirmed
3. Look for details on whether AST exercises its license to make the engines itself, which could change how much future engine production and revenue remain with Firefly. Analyst inference

Evidence

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