AST SpaceMobile plans to build its own simple rocket to launch satellites

During an event on Thursday, AST SpaceMobile founder and CEO Abel Avellan announced plans to develop the Blacklift rocket to address a commercial launch crunch affecting the delivery of the company's large Bluebird satellites into orbit. Avellan stated that the three-stage rocket will feature composite tanks, a reusable first stage, and a 20-metric-ton lift capacity, with launches targeted to begin twice a month from Virginia in 2028. To fast-track development, AST is committing $1.3 billion to acquire engines from Firefly Aerospace, including the Miranda first stage engine and the Vira upper stage engine. However, aerospace experts note that building rockets is exceptionally difficult, and the engines selected have not yet completed all necessary qualification campaigns or flown on an orbital rocket, raising questions about the feasibility of the 2028 timeline.