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

Firefly Aerospace will supply engines for AST SpaceMobile's new Blacklift rocket under a $1.3 billion deal. AST aims to develop its own rocket to reduce reliance on third-party providers like SpaceX. Firefly will provide 27 Miranda and 9 Vira engines for the first three rockets, with a launch target of late 2028. AST plans to eventually manufacture the engines itself.

Original reporting

finance.yahoo.com

Published Nov 6, 2026, 3:18 PM UTC

Analysis

AlphAI AI DeskAI-generated

Added to AlphAI Nov 6, 2026, 3:25 PM UTC. Informational, not investment advice.

How this was made

AlphAI summarizes source reporting and applies a structured AI analysis for relevance, timing, sentiment and ticker impact. Always verify material claims with the original publisher.

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Firefly inks $1.3 billion deal to supply engines for new AST SpaceMobile 'Blacklift' rocket — source image — Source · finance.yahoo.com

Decision brief

The 30-second read

$ASTSBullishMed

Why it matters

The $1.3 billion engine supply deal is a material commercial win that could improve ASTS's revenue outlook and investor sentiment.

Market read

The contract is a primary catalyst for ASTS stock and signals broader trends in the commercial space launch market.

What to watch

Firefly's ability to deliver on schedule and the regulatory approvals for the new engines could affect execution.

Relevance 7/10Novelty 9/10Timing: today

Background

AST SpaceMobile is developing its own heavy‑lift rocket to reduce reliance on third‑party launch providers and expand its global broadband constellation.

Company-level read

Ticker impact

AI estimates · verify against primary disclosures

$ASTSBullishHigh confidence

Context

AST SpaceMobile announced a $1.3 billion contract with Firefly Aerospace to supply engines for its upcoming Blacklift rocket.

Expected impact

likely upward pressure as investors price in the multi‑billion‑dollar contract.

Evidence & confidence

Large, first‑report contract disclosed today; market typically reacts positively to secured launch‑service revenue.

Market effects

Sector

Strengthens the satellite‑communications and small‑launch services subsectors, may boost related launch‑provider stocks.

Regional

U.S. space‑tech equities could see modest gains as the deal highlights domestic supply chain capabilities.

Global

Highlights growing competition in commercial launch services, relevant for global aerospace investors.

Counterpoint

What could challenge this read

If the Blacklift program faces delays, the contract value may not translate into near‑term cash, limiting upside.

Key entities

company
AST SpaceMobile
Public satellite‑communications firm (NASDAQ: ASTS) developing the Blacklift rocket.
company
Firefly Aerospace
Private aerospace manufacturer supplying Miranda and Vira engines.

Read at source ← All news

$ASTSHighAI 8/10

Cedar Park's Firefly Aerospace pens $1.3B deal for rocket engines

Firefly Aerospace Inc. has secured a $1.3B deal with AST SpaceMobile Inc. to supply 36 rocket engines for AST's heavy-lift rocket. Firefly will provide 27 Miranda and 9 Vira engines, along with intellectual property licenses. The funds will accelerate Firefly's launch and spacecraft production, including hiring and facility upgrades. Firefly is also involved in NASA's lunar and Mars missions.

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$ASTSMedAI 8/10

AST SpaceMobile to Develop Blacklift Rocket Using Firefly Aerospace Engines in $1.3 Billion Agreement

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) will develop the Blacklift rocket for BlueBird satellite launches using Firefly Aerospace (FLY) engines. The $1.3B deal includes engine licensing, manufacturing rights, and support. Blacklift, set for 2028, aims to reduce launch dependency and expand AST SpaceMobile's satellite network.

finance.yahoo.comNov 6

$ASTSMedAI 9/10

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) Strikes $1.3 Billion Deal to Build Reusable Rocket to Rival SpaceX

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) agreed to a $1.3B deal with Firefly Aerospace (FLY) for 36 rocket engines to build its reusable Blacklift rocket, competing with SpaceX (SPCX). ASTS will pay in cash and stock, aiming to launch the rocket by late 2028. The deal includes a perpetual license to manufacture engines in-house. ASTS stock has a Moderate Buy consensus with a $80.71 average price target, implying 165.50% upside.

tipranks.comNov 6

$FLYHighAI 9/10

Firefly Signs Deal With AST SpaceMobile Exceeding $1.3 Bln, Shares Up

Firefly Aerospace (FLY) signed a $1.3B+ deal with AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) to deliver 36 rocket engines and provide engineering support. FLY shares rose 13.21% to $17.18, ASTS shares up 1.89% to $29.63.

rttnews.comNov 6

$ASTSHigh

Why is AST SpaceMobile stock climbing today?

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) stock rose 2.5% in pre-market trading after announcing plans to develop its own reusable rocket, Blacklift, powered by Firefly Aerospace engines. The $1.3B deal includes 36 rocket engines and a perpetual manufacturing license. The company aims to launch satellites starting in late 2028. Analysts expect over 200% year-over-year revenue growth in Q3 earnings, due November 9. The broader market's tech rally also supported the stock's recovery from its 52-week low.

investing.comNov 6

$ASTSHighAI 9/10

Firefly to supply engines for AST SpaceMobile rocket in $1.3B deal

Firefly Aerospace will supply 36 rocket engines and license their design to AST SpaceMobile in a $1.3B deal. AST SpaceMobile plans to build reusable rockets for satellite launches, with flights expected in late 2028. Firefly will receive $800M for the license, $250M for engines, and $250M for services.

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