Challenging SpaceX (SPCX.US)! AST SpaceMobile (ASTS.US) spends $1.3 billion to develop its own reusable rocket, with first flight planned for 2028.

Zhito Finance APP has learned that AST SpaceMobile (ASTS.US), a satellite communications company and competitor to SpaceX (SPCX.US), announced on Friday that it will develop a reusable launch vehicle called "Blacklift" and has reached an engine supply agreement with aerospace company Firefly Aerospace (FLY.US), with an initial contract value of $1.3 billion. The move is intended to help AST SpaceMobile establish independent satellite launch capabilities and reduce its reliance on external rocket suppliers, thereby accelerating the deployment of its global satellite communications network.