The rocket – named Blacklift – is designed for reusability, leveraging an engine architecture with over a decade of development and proven flight heritage, enabling up to five BlueBird satellites per launch
Starting in late 2028, the use of the Blacklift rocket will complete AST SpaceMobile’s end-to-end vertical integration and ensure regular unconstrained access to orbit with most favorable owners’ economics in the industry
AST SpaceMobile will also continue to use external launch providers, with agreements now covering in total over 100 BlueBird satellites expected to be deployed cumulatively between 2027 and 2028
This is an interesting move for anyone following along in this space. Has a satellite company ever built their own rocket before?
Cowboy Space? They’re a data center first company that’s building their own rocket.
I did not see that coming. It’s hard to blame them between the Falcon 9 fairing limitations and New Glenn and Vulcan groundings.