Live Feeds
● LIVE Updated 51m ago · 11 sources tracked

Firefly Aerospace Inks $1.3 Billion Deal With AST SpaceMobile for Rocket Engines

Firefly Aerospace has signed a deal valued at more than $1.3 billion to supply rocket engines to AST SpaceMobile for a new heavy-lift rocket named Blacklift. The three-year agreement includes engine delivery, licensed intellectual property, and engineering support. The partnership supports AST SpaceMobile as the satellite company builds its own rocket to compete with SpaceX, while simultaneously injecting additional funds for Firefly to accelerate the production of its own launch vehicles. The debut launch for the new rocket is targeted for 2028.

🎙️

Listen to Live Briefing

Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk

⏱ ~3 min
Speed:
RSS Source map (11)
⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
Text size:
  • ✓ Firefly Aerospace signed a rocket engine deal valued at more than $1.3 billion with AST SpaceMobile.
  • ✓ The three-year agreement covers engine delivery, licensed intellectual property, and engineering support for AST SpaceMobile's new heavy-lift rocket called Blacklift.
  • ✓ AST SpaceMobile is targeting a 2028 launch debut for its new Blacklift rocket.
  • ✓ The agreement provides additional funds for Firefly to accelerate its own launch vehicle production.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 11 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Firefly Aerospace and AST SpaceMobile finalized a multi-year agreement valued above $1.3 billion for engine supply, licensed intellectual property, and engineering support.

Live updates

  1. Firefly Inks $1.3B Engine Deal With AST SpaceMobile

    Firefly Aerospace has signed a deal valued at more than $1.3 billion to supply rocket engines to AST SpaceMobile for a new heavy-lift rocket named Blacklift. The three-year agreement includes engine delivery, licensed intellectual property, and engineering support. The partnership supports AST SpaceMobile as the satellite company builds its own rocket to compete with SpaceX, while simultaneously injecting additional funds for Firefly to accelerate the production of its own launch vehicles. The debut launch for the new rocket is targeted for 2028.

    Why it matters

    Satellite operators are increasingly looking into building their own rockets as the launch market remains tough. This substantial agreement supplies the necessary propulsion technology for AST SpaceMobile's heavy-lift vehicle ambitions. At the same time, it provides financial reinforcement for Firefly Aerospace's manufacturing operations.

    What is confirmed

    • Firefly Aerospace signed a rocket engine deal valued at more than $1.3 billion with AST SpaceMobile.
    • The three-year agreement covers engine delivery, licensed intellectual property, and engineering support for AST SpaceMobile's new heavy-lift rocket called Blacklift.
    • AST SpaceMobile is targeting a 2028 launch debut for its new Blacklift rocket.
    • The agreement provides additional funds for Firefly to accelerate its own launch vehicle production.

    What to watch next

    • Progress on the production of the Blacklift rocket ahead of its targeted 2028 launch debut.
    • Milestones in engine delivery and engineering support under the three-year agreement between Firefly and AST SpaceMobile.
    Sources used for this update (11)
    1. consent.yahoo.com — Latest news and current events updates | Yahoo News Singapore
    2. www.marketbeat.com — Top Biotech Stocks To Research - October 14th | MarketBeat
    3. www.channelnewsasia.com — NATO general sets out tough military response to any 'foolish' Russian attack - CNA
    4. Ars Technica — You know the launch market is tough when satellite companies start building rockets
    5. Space — AST SpaceMobile announces new 'Blacklift' rocket, targets 2028 launch debut
    6. Reuters — Firefly inks $1.3 billion deal to supply engines for new AST SpaceMobile 'Blacklift' rocket
    7. WSJ — Firefly Aerospace Inks $1.3 Billion Deal With AST SpaceMobile for Rocket Engines
    8. Bloomberg.com — AST SpaceMobile to Build Own Rocket to Compete With SpaceX
    9. fireflyspace.com — Firefly Aerospace Signs Rocket Engine Deal Valued at More ...
    10. bdnews24.com — Firefly inks $1.3bn deal to supply engines for new AST SpaceMobile 'Blacklift' rocket - Latest News
    11. finance.yahoo.com — Firefly Aerospace Signs Rocket Engine Deal Valued at More ...
    confidence 100%
📊

Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?

Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community