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