Engine counts and scope
| Engine | Units |
|---|---|
| Miranda | 27 |
| Vira | 9 |
| Total | 36 |
Both charts use a zero-based count scale. Quantities cover the first three rockets together, not their individual configuration. These are agreement quantities, not engines already delivered. Factual data redrawn; no source artwork reproduced.
Firefly has found another way to help fund its own rockets: sell engines to a satellite company building a rocket of its own. On November 6, Firefly announced an agreement worth more than $1.3 billion with AST SpaceMobile, covering engines, manufacturing rights and engineering support. [1]
The two Nasdaq-listed companies, Firefly (FLY) and AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), want different things from the arrangement. Firefly gets resources to expand production. AST, which is building satellites that connect directly to ordinary mobile phones, wants more control over getting them into orbit. [1] [2]
A customer helps expand the factory
Firefly will supply 27 Miranda engines and nine Vira engines for AST’s first three Blacklift rockets. AST also gets permission to manufacture the engines itself. Firefly keeps ownership of the engine designs and remains free to serve other customers. [1]
That gives Firefly two ways to earn from the technology: making hardware and licensing the designs behind it. The company says the agreement will help it hire, buy materials with long delivery times and add testing capacity for its own launch vehicles. [1]
“more test bays at our Rocket Ranch”
Jason Kim, Firefly chief executive, November 6, 2026 [1]
AST buys a route to its own launches
Blacklift is designed to carry up to five BlueBird satellites per mission. AST targets its use from late 2028. Its current launch partners remain part of the plan: the company says outside agreements cover more than 100 satellites for deployment across 2027 and 2028. [2] [5]
Owning a rocket could give AST more say over launch timing as its network grows. It also adds a major manufacturing project to the satellite business. Buying an engine design addresses one part of that challenge; the complete rocket still needs to be built, tested and cleared to fly.
The headline price arrives in several forms
AST describes roughly $800 million of upfront consideration for the manufacturing license: $400 million in cash plus 10 million to 14 million AST shares. Separate commitments cover $250 million for engine deliveries and $250 million for three years of engineering support. [2]
Those shares matter to both companies’ investors. They dilute AST’s existing owners, while leaving Firefly exposed to AST’s share price. Firefly says the stock is subject to lock-up periods, limiting how quickly it can be sold. The announced value therefore cannot all be treated as immediately spendable cash. [1] [2]
More orders still mean more work
Firefly’s need to fund production is visible in its last reported quarter. Revenue reached $117.7 million in the three months ended June 30, but its net loss was $92.3 million. Operations used $81.6 million of cash. A share offering during that quarter raised $181.6 million net. [3]
The market connection The engine deal gives FLY a new source of funding and customer demand. Its benefit depends on delivering the work without letting expansion costs absorb the gains.
Firefly will discuss the agreement with its third-quarter results on November 10 at 5 p.m. Eastern. For AST, the longer test is whether buying engine designs can turn its late-2028 launch ambition into a working rocket. [4]