Firefly to supply engines for AST SpaceMobile's Blacklift rocket in $1.3 billion deal

what happened

Firefly Aerospace will supply core engines for Blacklift, a heavy-lift rocket that satellite communications company AST SpaceMobile is developing. The deal is worth $1.3 billion, Reuters reported. It reflects a broader push among satellite operators to secure reliable access to space.

Under the contract, Firefly will build and deliver 27 Miranda engines and 9 in-space Vira engines, enough for the first three Blacklift launches. The agreement also gives AST a license to eventually manufacture the engines itself. AST is targeting late 2028 for the rocket's debut, and says it is designed for reusability and can carry up to five BlueBird satellites per launch.

According to Reuters, Firefly shares rose about 18% after the announcement, while AST SpaceMobile stock gained about 1%. AST still plans to use outside rockets and has more than 100 launch agreements in place.

why it matters

The news matters for markets because satellite companies have struggled to book launches, as major launch providers increasingly fill their schedules with their own constellation missions. An in-house rocket reduces AST's reliance on SpaceX, while the engine supplier gains a large multi-year order.

market impact

Firefly and AST SpaceMobile: the $1.3 billion contract strengthens the engine supplier and reduces AST's reliance on third-party rockets

tags

instruments