AST SpaceMobile signs $1.3 billion-plus engine and licensing deal for Blacklift rocket
97 FOMOAST SpaceMobile signed an agreement with Firefly worth more than $1.3 billion for 36 rocket engines, intellectual-property licensing and engineering support. The engines will power the first three Blacklift rockets, with AST receiving a licence to manufacture them. The agreement is intended to support AST's planned vertical integration of satellite manufacturing and launch access.
Why it matters
Blacklift is a major strategic expansion beyond AST's satellite network and could reduce its dependence on external launch providers. It also adds substantial capital and schedule risk to a company already committed to scaling a large satellite constellation.
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AST SpaceMobile signed an agreement with Firefly worth more than $1.3 billion for 36 rocket engines,