Firefly Aerospace successfully launched its Alpha rocket on October 1, 2022, becoming the first US commercial space company to reach orbit. The mission deployed three customer payloads, including demonstration satellites from NASA TechEdSat-15 in conjunction with San Jose State University.
Northrop Grumman Corporation has partnered with Firefly Aerospace to develop an American-built first-stage upgrade for the Antares rocket, known as the Antares 330. The new stage will utilize seven of Firefly's Miranda engines and leverage its composites technology.
Firefly Aerospace has appointed Deborah Lee James and Robert Cardillo to its Board of Directors, with Dr. Tom Markusic as CEO.
Firefly Aerospace has welcomed two new members to its Advisory Board, including Terry Boardman and General James Cartwright. Breaking Defense reports that the appointments reflect the company's growing presence in the launch services market.
Firefly Aerospace has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus Defence and Space to develop new space launch solutions for Airbus customers. The partnership aims to provide flexible and rapid launch options for small satellites, leveraging Firefly's affordability and convenience.