L3Harris Technologies has sold a majority stake in its civilian space propulsion unit to private equity firm AE Industrial Partners for $845 million. The deal represents L3Harris' continued pivot towards the military space market, with Chairman and CEO Christopher Kubasik emphasizing alignment with DoD vision for a faster, more agile defense industrial base.
L3Harris Technologies has agreed to sell a majority stake in its Propulsion and Power Systems division to AE Industrial Partners for $845 million. The deal ensures the company's portfolio aligns with US mission priorities, according to L3Harris CEO Christopher Kubasik.
Firefly Aerospace successfully launched its Alpha FLTA005 rocket as part of the Venture-Class Launch Services Demonstration 2 contract with NASA. The mission, called Noise of Summer, lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base on July 3, 2024.
Firefly Aerospace has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit to conduct a trade study on its capabilities for rapidly launching Elytra vehicles and supporting missions beyond Geosynchronous Orbit, referred to as xGEO.
Firefly Aerospace has been selected by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) as a launch provider with its Alpha rocket. As part of the Streamlined Launch Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract (SLIC), Firefly will support NRO launches from both Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral, with a 10-year ordering period valued at up to $700 million.
Firefly Aerospace has announced its Alpha Flight 5 (FLTA005) mission, called Noise of Summer, which is scheduled to launch no earlier than June 26. The mission will deploy eight educational payloads for NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative, providing low-cost access to space for U.
Firefly Aerospace has closed a third tranche of Series C funding, valuing the company at $1.5 billion pre-money. The round is being led by existing investors AE Industrial Partners and new investor Mitsui & Co.
Firefly Aerospace has been selected as a vendor for the SDA's Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated LEO (HALO) program. The company is now eligible to support rapid, end-to-end demonstration missions for military satellites utilizing its Elytra orbital vehicles.
Firefly Aerospace has appointed Dan Fermon as Chief Operating Officer, bringing decades of experience to the role. Prior to joining Firefly, Fermon was a Vice President at AE Industrial Partners, where he improved operational performance through cross-portfolio projects and synergies execution.
Firefly Aerospace has completed the development and assembly of its Blue Ghost lander structure and fluid systems, a critical milestone for its first lunar mission slated to launch in 2024 under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The company's Texas-based spacecraft facility played a key role in this achievement.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a $21.81 million contract to launch the U.S. Space Force's VICTUS SOL Tactically Responsive Space mission aboard its Alpha rocket.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a contract by the US Department of Defense for a responsive on-orbit mission utilizing its Elytra spacecraft. As part of this project, Elytra will host government payloads and perform tasks such as space domain awareness operations in low Earth orbit.
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.
Firefly Aerospace has added Chris Emerson, a seasoned aerospace leader with decades of experience, to its Board of Directors. Effective immediately, Emerson will offer his counsel as Firefly looks to build off its successful launch earlier this month.
Firefly Aerospace has added former NASA Administrator James Bridenstine to its Advisory Board, effective immediately. Bridenstine joins the company amid recent success in its Alpha rocket program and upcoming lunar missions.
Firefly Aerospace announced the strategic acquisition of Spaceflight Inc. to bolster its on-orbit services and expand its capabilities in space transportation. The acquisition complements Firefly's full-service launch, on-orbit, and lunar lander business, with terms not disclosed.
AE Industrial Partners, LP led a $75 million Series B growth equity investment in Firefly Aerospace, an emerging leader in economical launch vehicles and spacecraft. The investment will support Firefly's next stage of growth by providing capital for future Alpha flights, the Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Program, and additional launch and in-space solutions.