Aerospace Company Develops Advanced Composite Material for Rocket Engines

Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop a ceramic matrix composite nozzle extension for liquid rocket engines. The new material is expected to improve performance by increasing launch vehicle payload capability while lowering production costs compared to industry standard metal-based nozzle extensions. According to Firefly CEO Jason Kim, composites provide a cost-efficient, lightweight solution that improves performance. The company plans to utilize the composite nozzle extension fabrication methods for its second stage engines, Lightning and Vira, that power Firefly’s Alpha rocket and Medium Launch Vehicle, respectively. For more information, visit www.fireflyspace.com.