Firefly Engine Deal With AST SpaceMobile
Firefly engine deal injects $1.3 billion to accelerate Firefly's production ramp and grants AST a perpetual engine license, likely drawing trader interest in space suppliers.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Deal supplies more than $1.3 billion to Firefly and funds its production ramp and test infrastructure.
- License consideration includes $400 million cash plus 10 to 14 million Class A shares subject to lockups.
- Firefly will deliver 36 engines, 27 Miranda and nine vacuum Vira, for AST's first three Blacklift rockets.
HIGH POTENTIAL TRADES SENT DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX
Add your email to receive our free daily newsletter. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Firefly Aerospace and AST SpaceMobile announced on November 6, 2026, a multi-year agreement that will fund Firefly’s production ramp and supply engines for AST’s planned reusable rocket program.
Deal Terms and License Structure
The companies described the package as valued at more than $1.3 billion. AST SpaceMobile will pay about $800 million for a perpetual license to manufacture the engines at a new U.S. production facility, plus $250 million for engines and $250 million for three years of engineering services. The license payment includes $400 million in cash and 10–14 million Class A common shares, with the share amount determined by a forward volume-weighted average price formula and subject to lock-up periods.
The license grants AST the perpetual right to produce the Miranda and Vira engines, while Firefly retains ownership of the underlying technology and may continue selling launches to other customers.
Rocket Design, Engine Supply, and Production Plans
Firefly will deliver 36 engines for AST’s first three Blacklift rockets: 27 Miranda engines and nine vacuum-variant Vira engines. The Miranda engine has completed more than 175 hot-fire tests totaling over 4,200 seconds.
AST describes Blacklift as a 20-ton reusable rocket designed to carry up to five BlueBird satellites per launch, with initial launches targeted for late 2028. Until Blacklift becomes operational, AST will continue using external launch providers.
Firefly said the agreement will accelerate launch-vehicle production and its broader technology roadmap. Proceeds will fund hiring, long-lead material procurement, equipment purchases, and additional test bays at its Briggs, Texas, facility.
