Wire · technology
AST Blacklift 20-Ton Rocket: What It Means for ASTS [2026]
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Fusion42 · 7 November 2026 · Fusion42 review
AST SpaceMobile announced the Blacklift, a 20-ton reusable rocket designed to launch up to five BlueBird satellites per mission starting in late 2028. The rocket will be powered by engines supplied by Firefly Aerospace, marking a strategic step to reduce reliance on SpaceX while not fully eliminating dependence.
This Wire brief sits within Fusion42's coverage of Space Tech, and 4 sources have reported it between 6 Nov 2026 and 8 Nov 2026.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
You must rethink satellite launch dependencies as AST's plan to build its own rocket lets you bypass the usual SME reliance on SpaceX bottlenecks. Your early bets on launch hardware and engine suppliers will shape your route to orbit over the next two years.
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4 sources · first reported 6 Nov 2026 · latest 8 Nov 2026
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