AST SpaceMobile: Blacklift Rocket With Firefly Explained

AST SpaceMobile ($ASTS) is building a 20-ton Blacklift rocket with Firefly to launch Bluebirds. Big NYC event Nov 12.

Anpanman breaks down the surprise AST SpaceMobile and Firefly deal to build a dedicated 20-ton rocket called Blacklift, designed to deliver up to 5 Bluebird satellites to LEO. He covers how the joint development works, including licensing Firefly's engine technology after 175 Miranda engine hot fire tests, and why a first flight at the end of 2028 will probably slip to 2029.

Anpanman also explains why assured launch access matters for the direct-to-cell satellite buildout and for ASTS stock. He covers the 100 satellites secured for launch over 2027 and 2028, the new DPAS rating, the Space Force award, and the push by governments and MNOs for alternatives to Starlink. He weighs the build vs buy economics, the funding and dilution risks, and the extra 400,000 square feet approved in Midland.

The second half is live Q&A on reusability, launch pad location, why not buy Firefly or Vulcan, and whether the company can execute. Anpanman also flags the key dates ahead: earnings, the Firefly call, and the New York press event on November 12.

00:00 Introduction

00:38 AST's 20-ton rocket and the Firefly deal

01:46 Joint development and engine licensing

03:29 Why it's called Blacklift

04:38 Why assured launch access matters

07:23 100 satellites secured and DPAS rating

08:54 Space Force award and Starlink alternatives

12:05 Orbital compute and launch demand

13:45 Risks and how it gets funded

15:45 Build vs buy and launch cost savings

19:05 Competing constellations and global demand

21:57 Timing with the SDA award

22:47 Earnings, Firefly call and Nov 12 NYC event

23:56 Q&A: outsourcing, financing and reusability

26:51 Q&A: execution trust and AI data center capex

29:33 Q&A: launch pad, buying Firefly and Vulcan

37:15 Q&A: Starlink kill switch concerns

38:41 Q&A: dilution and announcement timing

40:44 Closing thoughts

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#astspacemobile #Blacklift #Firefly