Ton Rocket: What It Means for ASTS [2026]

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) announced plans to build its own reusable rocket, Blacklift, for launching satellites starting in late 2028. Firefly Aerospace (FLY) will supply engines, valued at over $1.3B. ASTS shares rose 7.05%, while FLY surged 36.8%. The deal includes $800M upfront, including ASTS shares, and adds to ASTS's cash burn and dilution.

AST SpaceMobile and Firefly Aerospace agreed to a $1.3B deal for rocket engine licensing, with AST SpaceMobile paying $800M upfront. The deal involves 36 engines and engineering services for AST's Blacklift rocket, set to launch in 2028. AST SpaceMobile will use the rocket to deploy its BlueBird satellites.

AST SpaceMobile plans to build a reusable 20-ton Blacklift rocket, aiming to launch up to five BlueBird satellites per flight starting in late 2028. The company committed $1.3 billion to Firefly agreements, including $800 million upfront for engine licenses and manufacturing, and $500 million for engines and engineering support. The satellites are expected to deploy in 2027 and 2028.

AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) filed an SEC Form 8-K — Regulation FD Disclosure. Exhibit 99.1 *Firefly CEO Jason Kim and AST SpaceMobile Chairman and CEO Abel Avellan in front of Firefly’s Miranda engine at its Rocket Ranch in Briggs, Texas; Credit: Firefly Aerospace AST SpaceMobile to Build Own 20-Ton Rocket to Deploy BlueBird Satellites in Low Earth Orbit U

AST SpaceMobile announced it's developing a reusable rocket, Blacklift, for launching its broadband satellites to LEO, with a 2028 debut. The company partnered with Firefly Aerospace for engines, investing $800M. Blacklift will carry 20 tons to LEO, potentially launching five BlueBird satellites per flight. AST SpaceMobile aims to expand its market and reduce launch dependency.

Firefly Aerospace and AST SpaceMobile signed a $1.3bn deal for Firefly to supply engines for AST's new Blacklift rocket. Firefly will provide 36 engines for the first three rockets, with AST gaining a license to manufacture them. AST aims to launch Blacklift by late 2028 to support its satellite constellation for global broadband. Firefly's shares rose 18% and AST's shares increased 1% following the announcement.