The satellite‑communications company has secured a billion‑dollar deal to license Firefly Aerospace’s engines for its upcoming Blacklift launch vehicle.

AST SpaceMobile announced a $1.3 billion licensing agreement with Firefly Aerospace to use its Raptor‑derived engines on the upcoming Blacklift heavy‑lift launch vehicle.

Deal Overview

The contract grants AST SpaceMobile access to Firefly’s next‑generation liquid‑propellant engines, which are designed for high‑thrust, reusable rockets. The partnership aims to accelerate the development timeline for Blacklift, positioning it to compete in the burgeoning commercial launch market.

Under the agreement, Firefly will provide engineering support, testing facilities, and a supply chain framework to ensure the engines meet AST’s performance specifications. Payments are structured around milestone achievements and engine deliveries.

Strategic Implications

By securing a proven engine source, AST SpaceMobile reduces technical risk and can focus resources on its satellite‑communications payloads. The deal also signals confidence in Firefly’s engine technology, which has attracted interest from multiple launch service providers.

Industry analysts note that the collaboration could enable AST to offer integrated launch‑and‑service solutions, potentially lowering costs for customers seeking global broadband coverage.

Technical Highlights

Firefly’s engines feature a staged combustion cycle and use a methane‑oxygen propellant mix, offering higher efficiency than traditional kerosene‑based designs. The Blacklift vehicle is planned to deliver up to 30 tonnes to low Earth orbit, supporting large satellite constellations.

  • Engine type: Methane‑oxygen staged combustion
  • Thrust: Approximately 2 MN per engine
  • Reusability: Designed for up to 10 flights

The licensing fee includes provisions for future upgrades, ensuring that Blacklift can incorporate next‑generation engine variants without renegotiating the core contract.

For readers interested in broader industry trends, see the Technology coverage on uxc.news.

The Gist: Space news for Saturday November 07 2026

Track coverage on Momentum · More in Technology.