AST SpaceMobile says it will build its own rocket, Blacklift, to launch BlueBird satellites

AST SpaceMobile said on November 6, 2026 that it will build its own 20-ton rocket, named Blacklift, to deploy its BlueBird satellites in low Earth orbit. The company said the rocket is designed for reuse and will carry up to five BlueBird satellites per launch, starting in late 2028.

Founder, Chairman and CEO Abel Avellan said the rocket will give the company regular, unconstrained access to orbit. The company said the rocket will complete its end-to-end vertical integration, a strategy it has long pursued.

Under a supply and services agreement with Firefly Aerospace, the company said it will pay $250 million for engines for its first three rocket launches and $250 million over a three-year period for engineering support services. The company said it will produce the engine technology at a new engine manufacturing facility in the United States.

The company said it will continue to use external launch providers, with agreements now covering a total of over 100 BlueBird satellites, expected to be deployed cumulatively between 2027 and 2028. It also has access to further launches for U.S. Government missions alongside its Defense Priorities and Allocations System rated program.

The company said BlueBird satellites are now in production through BlueBird 51 in Midland, Texas. It said it will host an unveiling event for Blacklift on Thursday, November 12, in New York City, and webcast the event on its Investor Relations website.