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Firefly Aerospace Completes First Hot Fire Test of Miranda Engine

November 28, 2023

4 min read

Key Takeaways

Firefly Aerospace completed the first hot fire test of its Miranda engine.
The test validated the design of the startup sequence, transient conditions, and tap-off engine architecture.
Seven Miranda engines will power the first stage of Antares 330 and MLV.
One Miranda vacuum engine will power MLV's second stage.

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Strategic Implications

This achievement may indicate Firefly's ability to rapidly develop and test new propulsion systems, which could benefit the industry as a whole. The deployment of the Miranda engine may suggest a focus on efficiency and scalability in launch vehicle design, potentially setting a new standard for the industry. However, it is unclear how this will impact the competitive landscape or affect the development of similar engines by other companies.

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What Happened

Firefly Aerospace Sets New Standard for Engine Development with Rapid Progress on Miranda Propulsion System

Firefly Aerospace has completed the first hot fire test of its Miranda engine, a turbopump-fed propulsion system designed for the Antares 330 and Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV). The test was completed just over a year after signing the initial contract and validates the design of the startup sequence, transient conditions, and tap-off engine architecture. Firefly is now building up to a full-duration, 206-second Miranda hot fire and plans to power the first stage of Antares 330 and MLV. The company is also designing and manufacturing the first stage structures for Antares 330 and the structures and fluids systems for MLV stages. Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company with launch, lunar, and in-space services. The company is headquartered in central Texas and is focused on delivering responsive, reliable, and affordable space access for government and commercial customers. The first flight of Antares 330 is scheduled for mid-2025, and MLV is expected to launch in late 2025.

Companies Mentioned

Firefly Aerospace Northrop Grumman

Topics

Space Propulsion Launch Vehicle Engine Development Vertical Integration Space Transportation

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Technology & Systems

Firefly Aerospace Completes First Hot Fire Test of Miranda Engine

November 28, 2023

4 min read

Key Takeaways

Firefly Aerospace completed the first hot fire test of its Miranda engine.
The test validated the design of the startup sequence, transient conditions, and tap-off engine architecture.
Seven Miranda engines will power the first stage of Antares 330 and MLV.
One Miranda vacuum engine will power MLV's second stage.

Sign in to view key takeaways Get full access to in-depth analysis and key takeaways.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Strategic Implications

This achievement may indicate Firefly's ability to rapidly develop and test new propulsion systems, which could benefit the industry as a whole. The deployment of the Miranda engine may suggest a focus on efficiency and scalability in launch vehicle design, potentially setting a new standard for the industry. However, it is unclear how this will impact the competitive landscape or affect the development of similar engines by other companies.

Sign in to view strategic implications Get full access to strategic analysis and expert insights.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

What Happened

Firefly Aerospace Sets New Standard for Engine Development with Rapid Progress on Miranda Propulsion System

Firefly Aerospace has completed the first hot fire test of its Miranda engine, a turbopump-fed propulsion system designed for the Antares 330 and Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV). The test was completed just over a year after signing the initial contract and validates the design of the startup sequence, transient conditions, and tap-off engine architecture. Firefly is now building up to a full-duration, 206-second Miranda hot fire and plans to power the first stage of Antares 330 and MLV. The company is also designing and manufacturing the first stage structures for Antares 330 and the structures and fluids systems for MLV stages. Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company with launch, lunar, and in-space services. The company is headquartered in central Texas and is focused on delivering responsive, reliable, and affordable space access for government and commercial customers. The first flight of Antares 330 is scheduled for mid-2025, and MLV is expected to launch in late 2025.

Companies Mentioned

Firefly Aerospace Northrop Grumman

Topics

Space Propulsion Launch Vehicle Engine Development Vertical Integration Space Transportation