AST SpaceMobile and Firefly Aerospace sign $1.3 billion engine supply and licensing deal
AST SpaceMobile announced a partnership with Firefly Aerospace to build its Blacklift reusable launch vehicle. Firefly will deliver 36 rocket engines – 27 Miranda and 9 vacuum‑variant Vira – and grant a perpetual manufacturing license. AST will pay a combination of cash and AST Class A common stock, with the first payment of $800 million for the license and additional payments for engines and services. The first Blacklift flights are targeted for late 2028.
Why it matters
Firefly expects the cash and equity infusion to accelerate hiring, procure long‑lead materials and expand test facilities, strengthening its production capacity. AST SpaceMobile will gain in‑house launch capability, reducing reliance on third‑party launch providers.
Key facts
- 1The agreement is valued at more than $1.3 billion. stocktitan.net
- 2Firefly will supply 36 rocket engines to AST. stocktitan.net
- 3The engine mix includes 27 Miranda engines and 9 Vira engines. finance.yahoo.com
- 4AST will pay $800 million upfront for the perpetual license, $250 million for the engines and $250 million for services. cbsaustin.com
- 5The first Blacklift launches are planned for late 2028. stocktitan.net
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 15 of 15 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.