Northrop Grumman Teams with Firefly Aerospace for Antares Rocket Upgrade and New Medium Launch Vehicle

August 17, 2022 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764102045211-608

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.

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Key Takeaways

Northrop Grumman and Firefly Aerospace are collaborating on a new medium launch vehicle.
The Antares 330 will utilize seven of Firefly’s Miranda engines.
The partnership aims to provide an American-built first-stage upgrade for the Antares rocket.

Northrop Grumman Firefly Aerospace

Strategic Implications

This partnership may indicate Northrop Grumman’s commitment to supporting emerging space companies. The development of a new medium launch vehicle suggests a focus on expanding commercial and civil space launch markets. Firefly Aerospace’s involvement could enhance its credibility as an end-to-end space transportation company.