AST SpaceMobile has announced plans to develop the Blacklift rocket, aiming for a launch in 2028. The company intends to use the vehicle to transport five Bluebird satellites into low-Earth orbit per mission. The rocket is designed with a three-stage configuration, composite tanks, and a reusable first stage, targeting a lift capacity of 20 metric tons.
The company plans to conduct launches twice a month from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. To support this, AST has committed $1.3 billion to acquire engines from Firefly Aerospace for the first three launches, including a license for future manufacturing. The strategy relies on the Miranda engine, which is currently undergoing qualification testing.
Financing for the project remains a significant factor. AST SpaceMobile has already invested over $1 billion in engines and expects to spend several hundred million dollars on development in 2027. As of the end of September, the company reported $2.8 billion in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.
AST SpaceMobile currently operates satellites at an altitude of approximately 550km. The company cites a commercial launch crunch and high demand for its satellite services as the primary reasons for entering the launch market, rather than a strategic desire to become a dedicated launch provider.
