AST SpaceMobile to Develop Blacklift Reusable Rocket by 2028
AST SpaceMobile is developing its own reusable rocket, Blacklift, to gain control over satellite deployment schedules and reduce reliance on third-party launch providers.
AST SpaceMobile announced plans on November 9, 2026, to develop Blacklift, a reusable 20-ton rocket designed to deploy up to five BlueBird satellites per launch. The company targets a first flight date in late 2028 to secure greater control over its deployment schedules and ownership economics.
To support the project, the company signed two agreements on November 6 with Firefly Aerospace to license Miranda and Vira engines and obtain engineering and hardware support for the first three rockets. Financial estimates for the deal vary, with AST SpaceMobile projecting fees of $900 million plus shares, while Firefly Aerospace values the total agreement at approximately $1.3 billion.
Until Blacklift becomes operational, the company continues to use third-party providers including Space Exploration Technologies Corp. and Blue Origin. This strategic shift follows a satellite loss during a Blue Origin New Glenn mission in April 2026.
