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Firefly Aerospace to Launch NOAA's QuickSounder Environmental Satellite on Alpha Rocket

September 25, 2024

3 min read

Key Takeaways

Firefly Aerospace was awarded a NASA VADR mission to launch the QuickSounder environmental satellite.
The mission is the first project supporting NOAA's Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program.
QuickSounder will carry NOAA's Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) instrument.
The Alpha rocket is Firefly's second launch for NASA.
The mission will launch from Firefly's SLC-2 launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

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Strategic Implications

This mission may indicate Firefly's growing role in supporting NASA's environmental satellite programs. The Alpha rocket's ability to provide responsive and cost-competitive launch services could benefit Firefly's future customers, including government and commercial entities. The launch of QuickSounder may also suggest a shift towards more frequent and flexible satellite deployments, which could impact the broader satellite industry.

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What Happened

Firefly Aerospace to Launch NOAA's QuickSounder Environmental Satellite on Alpha Rocket

Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a NASA Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) mission to launch the QuickSounder environmental satellite on its Alpha rocket in 2026. The mission is the first project supporting NOAA’s Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program, which aims to launch small to medium-sized satellites with Earth-observing instruments. Firefly’s Alpha rocket will provide fast, flexible, and direct launch services to support the NEON program. The mission will be launched from Firefly’s SLC-2 launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company with launch, lunar, and on-orbit services. The company is a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners and is focused on delivering responsive, reliable, and affordable space access for government and commercial customers. For more information, visit fireflyspace.com. This article was first reported by Firefly Aerospace.

Companies Mentioned

Firefly Aerospace NASA NOAA Southwest Research Institute AE Industrial Partners

Topics

Environmental Satellite NASA Launch Near Earth Orbit Network Alpha Rocket Satellite Deployment Space Transportation

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Firefly Aerospace to Launch NOAA's QuickSounder Environmental Satellite on Alpha Rocket

September 25, 2024

3 min read

Key Takeaways

Firefly Aerospace was awarded a NASA VADR mission to launch the QuickSounder environmental satellite.
The mission is the first project supporting NOAA's Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program.
QuickSounder will carry NOAA's Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) instrument.
The Alpha rocket is Firefly's second launch for NASA.
The mission will launch from Firefly's SLC-2 launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

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 mission may indicate Firefly's growing role in supporting NASA's environmental satellite programs. The Alpha rocket's ability to provide responsive and cost-competitive launch services could benefit Firefly's future customers, including government and commercial entities. The launch of QuickSounder may also suggest a shift towards more frequent and flexible satellite deployments, which could impact the broader satellite industry.

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 to Launch NOAA's QuickSounder Environmental Satellite on Alpha Rocket

Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a NASA Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) mission to launch the QuickSounder environmental satellite on its Alpha rocket in 2026. The mission is the first project supporting NOAA’s Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program, which aims to launch small to medium-sized satellites with Earth-observing instruments. Firefly’s Alpha rocket will provide fast, flexible, and direct launch services to support the NEON program. The mission will be launched from Firefly’s SLC-2 launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company with launch, lunar, and on-orbit services. The company is a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners and is focused on delivering responsive, reliable, and affordable space access for government and commercial customers. For more information, visit fireflyspace.com. This article was first reported by Firefly Aerospace.

Companies Mentioned

Firefly Aerospace NASA NOAA Southwest Research Institute AE Industrial Partners

Topics

Environmental Satellite NASA Launch Near Earth Orbit Network Alpha Rocket Satellite Deployment Space Transportation