American Space Industry Partners to Develop Next-Generation Launch Vehicles

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. According to Breaking Defense, this partnership may signal Northrop Grumman’s confidence in supporting emerging space companies. Firefly Aerospace is an emerging end-to-end space transportation company focused on developing a family of launch vehicles. The Antares 330 performance upgrade will enable Northrop Grumman to continue supporting its current contracts while planning for future mission capabilities.