AST SpaceMobile - Blacklift unveiling event

AST SpaceMobile unveils BlackLift, its own rocket for a 2028 launch. What it means for ASTS stock and direct-to-cell satellites.

AST SpaceMobile discusses its new BlackLift launch vehicle, a full composite, three-stage rocket built around Firefly engines and designed to lift only Bluebird satellites. Founder Abel Avellan and President Scott Wisniewski explain why controlling launch matters for the direct-to-cell satellite network, with a first launch targeted for 2028 and up to 72 satellites a year. They also walk through the Midland, Texas factory, where AST SpaceMobile is producing about six satellites a month, with 28 ready to ship and 51 in production.

The episode covers the ASIC-powered next-generation satellites, the spectrum strategy, and the plan to reach beta service in the US, Europe, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Canada. AST SpaceMobile also covers its operator partnerships, including the roughly 3 billion devices under agreement, and the $1 billion Japan sovereign system partnership with Rakuten.

For ASTS stock holders, the fireside chat digs into the economics: over $3 billion on the balance sheet, several hundred million more CapEx next year, launch costs targeted around 75% lower than market rates, and about $20 million a week spent while satellites wait on the ground. It also covers how third-party launches with SpaceX and Blue Origin fit in until BlackLift flies, and the main technical risk of the engines.

00:00 Introduction

01:19 Why AST SpaceMobile is about execution

03:51 Abel Avellan takes the stage

05:44 60 operators and 3 billion devices

08:54 Inside the Midland factory tour

12:59 Satellite 28 and beta service markets

16:25 Launch schedule and satellite demand

17:36 Spectrum strategy

19:41 Site 4 and the next-gen ASIC

22:42 BlackLift announcement video

26:11 BlackLift design and Firefly engines

34:34 Third-party launches until 2028

36:53 Fireside chat: why build your own rocket

40:23 SpaceX and Blue Origin relationships

43:17 2028 timeline and biggest risks

44:36 CapEx and launch economics

46:55 Expanded addressable market and AI everywhere

51:19 Sovereignty, Starlink contrast and Japan

56:11 Closing takeaways

🎙️ Catch all episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5u6rTxenTvGw4STNbjswAk

👋 Connect with the host on X: https://x.com/AST_SpaceMobile

👕 Get the Gear: https://spacemob.printify.me/

#astspacemobile #BlackLift #Firefly