AST SpaceMobile

Blacklift

In Development

Reusable rocket AST SpaceMobile says it will build to launch its BlueBird satellites, using Firefly Miranda and Vira engines.

AST SpaceMobile profileSource: sec.gov

Latest update Nov 10, 2026

01

Current status

AST's Nov. 6, 2026 exhibit names the rocket Blacklift and says it is a 20-ton reusable vehicle that can carry up to five BlueBird satellites, with use starting in late 2028. The license consideration is about $800 million upfront: $400 million in cash and 10 to 14 million Class A shares under a forward VWAP. Engine delivery for the first three rockets is $250 million, and engineering support over three years is another $250 million. No image was in the deployed media list.

02

Specifications5

Vehicle class
20-ton reusable rocket
BlueBirds per launch
Up to five
First launches
Late 2028
License consideration
About $800 million upfront
First three rockets

$250 million for engines and $250 million for three years of engineering support

03

Upcoming milestones1

All AST SpaceMobile milestones

Announced next steps from AST SpaceMobile that mention Blacklift.

  1. Late 2028

    Begin Blacklift launches

    sec.gov

04

More from AST SpaceMobile1

Company profile

05

More in Satellite Mega-Constellations

Industry overview