The US Space Force has selected Firefly Aerospace for its VICTUS NOX mission, worth $17.6M, to demonstrate end-to-end tactical responsive space capabilities. The effort will include the launch segment, space segment, ground segment, and on-orbit operations from Low-Earth Orbit (LEO).
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.
Northrop Grumman Corporation has invested $50 million into Firefly Aerospace to further advance production of their co-developed medium launch vehicle, Eclipse. With a 16 metric ton to orbit capability, Eclipse is expected to support space station resupply, commercial spacecraft, critical national security missions and scientific payloads for the domestic and international markets.
NASA has selected Firefly Aerospace as a launch provider for its Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions. The fixed-price contract, worth up to $300 million across five years, will utilize Firefly's Alpha rocket for launches in the 500-1000 kg range.
NASA has awarded Firefly Aerospace $93.3 million to deliver a suite of ten NASA-sponsored science and technology demonstration payloads to the Moon's Crisium basin in 2023. The 'Blue Ghost' lunar lander will operate on-board payloads during transit, orbit, and on the lunar surface for a complete lunar day.
Firefly Aerospace has been selected to develop an analytical framework for aggregated on-orbit spacecraft hubs in support of DARPA's 10-Year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) capability study. The framework will enable the creation of scalable spacecraft hubs that can host and service spacecraft across cislunar space, providing responsive tasking for a wide range of services such as refueling, delivery, and transport.
Firefly Aerospace Inc., a leading provider of economical launch vehicles, has completed an oversubscribed $75 million Series A funding round led by DADA Holdings. The company plans to use the funds to support its flagship Alpha small launch vehicle and expand its services.
Firefly Aerospace has completed the Integration Readiness Review (IRR) of its Blue Ghost M1 lunar lander, marking key progress milestones across multiple areas. The review was held at Firefly's headquarters in Cedar Park, TX, and was led by Ray Allensworth, Blue Ghost Program Manager.
Firefly Aerospace has signed a Long-term Purchase Agreement with RUAG Space for Separation Systems. This contract creates a supplier agreement for Firefly launch vehicles and recognizes future business prospects based on Firefly's Alpha launch vehicle.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded the NASA Venture Class Launch Services Demonstration 2 (VCLS Demo 2) contract for the launch of two CubeSat constellations to a 550 km Sun-Synchronous Orbit. The company will bridge demand between pure small launch capability and the National Security Space Launch program, according to Firefly President Leslie Kovacs.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded an $18 million NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract to provide radio frequency calibration services from lunar orbit. As part of Blue Ghost Mission 2, Firefly will support the LuSEE-Night radio telescope in unlocking new insights about the universe.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded an approximately $179.6 million NASA contract to deliver and operate six NASA instruments in the Gruithuisen Domes on the Moon's near side in 2028. As part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload (CLPS) initiative, Firefly will utilize its Blue Ghost lunar lander, Elytra Dark orbital vehicle, and a rover from an industry provider to investigate the unique composition of the domes.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a $176.7 million NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract to deliver five payloads to the Moon's south pole in 2029. Utilizing its Elytra orbital vehicle and Blue Ghost lunar lander, Firefly will enable payload operations that include evaluating resources, studying radiation and thermal environments, and deploying rovers and scientific instruments.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc., has been awarded a $112 million NASA contract to deliver multiple lunar payloads in 2026. As part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Firefly will utilize its Blue Ghost spacecraft in a two-stage configuration to place a satellite into lunar orbit and then deliver research payloads on the far side of the Moon.
Firefly Aerospace has welcomed Shea Ferring as Vice President of Mission Assurance, bringing over 25 years of experience in space system design and integration. Ferring joins Firefly from his previous roles at NASA Launch Services Program, ECAPS, Vencore, and Orbital ATK.
Firefly Aerospace has welcomed two new members to its Advisory Board, including Terry Boardman and General James Cartwright. Breaking Defense reports that the appointments reflect the company's growing presence in the launch services market.
Firefly Aerospace has agreed to deliver Fleet Space's Seismic Payload for Interplanetary Discovery (SPIDER) on its second lunar mission in 2026. The Blue Ghost lander will provide power and communications, enabling SPIDER to capture seismic data from the lunar surface.
Firefly Aerospace and True Anomaly have agreed to provide rapid launch capabilities for the U.S. Space Force's VICTUS HAZE Tactically Responsive Space mission.
Firefly Aerospace successfully launched its Alpha rocket on October 1, 2022, becoming the first US commercial space company to reach orbit. The mission deployed three customer payloads, including demonstration satellites from NASA TechEdSat-15 in conjunction with San Jose State University.
Firefly Aerospace successfully launched its Alpha rocket and deployed the VICTUS NOX spacecraft following a 24-hour notice to complete final payload operations and mission preparations. The mission was led by U.
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 successfully completed its first commercial Moon landing, Blue Ghost Mission 1, after performing over 14 days of surface operations on the lunar surface. The mission, which began on March 2, saw all 10 NASA CLPS instruments operate as planned, collecting over 119 GB of data.
Firefly Aerospace, an end-to-end space transportation company, has signed a launch agreement with Lockheed Martin to support a technology demonstration mission aboard its Alpha vehicle. The partnership represents a significant expansion of Firefly's services, Breaking Defense reports.
Firefly Aerospace has shipped its Blue Ghost lunar lander to NASA JPL for final testing before launching in Q4 2024. As part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, Firefly's Blue Ghost Mission 1 lander is integrated with 10 scientific instruments and technology demonstrations that will help pave the way for humanity's return to the Moon.
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 awarded a Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract by NASA worth up to $2.6 billion over 10 years. The program aims to acquire end-to-end commercial payload services between Earth and the lunar surface.
Firefly Aerospace has saved the Space Foundation's International Student Art Contest, which was threatened by a lack of sponsorship in 2019. The contest, now in its eleventh year, inspires thousands of children to envision possibilities in space.
Firefly Aerospace has received a statement of support from the US Air Force for its program at Vandenberg Air Force Base Space Launch Complex 2 West. The agreement enables Firefly to utilize the existing launch site for future launches, according to Breaking Defense reports.
Firefly Aerospace has received a $10 million contract addendum from NASA under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative for Blue Ghost Mission 1. The additional data collected includes images, communications data, and lander performance data, which could provide critical insights into the Moon's surface and environment.
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 is preparing to launch its Alpha FLTA004 Fly the Lightning mission, which will deploy an Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) payload developed by Lockheed Martin. The mission aims to demonstrate rapid delivery of on-orbit capabilities 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 successfully completed environmental testing on Blue Ghost, a lunar lander designed to support NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The lander will be shipped to Cape Canaveral, Florida, in mid-December for launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc., has announced the execution of a Launch Services Agreement with SATLANTIS, a provider of high-performance payload technologies for Earth observation and remote sensing. Beginning in 2022, SATLANTIS will utilize the Firefly Alpha launch vehicle to deploy a constellation of satellites with breakthrough high-resolution multispectral cameras.
Firefly Aerospace has partnered with Blue Origin's Honeybee Robotics to provide the lunar rover for its upcoming mission to the Gruithuisen Domes on the Moon's near side in 2028. Firefly will deploy the Blue Ghost lander, which will then deploy the Honeybee Robotics rover to investigate the subsurface composition of the dome.
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 named Jason Kim as its new CEO, effective October 1, 2024. With over two decades of experience in the aerospace and defense sectors, Kim will lead the company's launch, lunar, and on-orbit programs.
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 appointed Bretton Alexander as Chief Revenue Officer, bringing over 30 years of aerospace experience to the role. Based in Washington D.
Firefly Aerospace has appointed Bill Weber as its new CEO, effective immediately. Weber previously served as President, CEO, and Director of KeyW Corporation, where he led the company through a multi-year transformation focusing on driving consistent growth.
Firefly Aerospace is set to launch its Alpha FLTA006 mission for Lockheed Martin's LM 400 spacecraft, with a scheduled launch date no earlier than March 15. The mission will demonstrate the company's risk-reduction and pathfinding efforts.
Firefly Aerospace has announced the launch of its initial public offering, with the roadshow set to begin soon. The company plans to use the funds raised from the offering to repay outstanding borrowings and for general corporate purposes.
Firefly Aerospace successfully launched its Blue Ghost lunar lander on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone in the company's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. With a target landing date of March 2, 2025, Firefly's 60-day mission will include approximately 45 days on-orbit and 14 days of lunar surface operations.
Firefly Aerospace is partnering with Kratos Defense and Security Solutions as part of the MACH-TB 2.0 team, a national coalition driving the next era of American hypersonics. Led by Kratos, the initiative aims to advance hypersonic testing, enabling rapid innovation and deployment of critical defense technologies.
Firefly Aerospace has filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to pursue an initial public offering (IPO) of its common stock.
Firefly Aerospace has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with York Space Systems for the development of integrated launch services and spacecraft mission solutions. The partnership aims to provide customers with a single point of entry to build space-based businesses, leveraging Firefly's Alpha launch vehicle and York's S-CLASS spacecraft platform.
Firefly Aerospace has entered a launch brokerage agreement with Spaceflight, enabling dedicated rideshare launch opportunities on the Firefly Alpha launch vehicle. The partnership aims to provide affordable and convenient access to space for small satellites.
Firefly Aerospace has entered into a Launch Services Agreement with Innovative Space Logistics BV (ISILAUNCH), a Netherlands-based launch services subsidiary of ISIS - Innovative Solutions in Space B.V. ISILAUNCH will offer dedicated and rideshare launch opportunities on the Firefly's Alpha launch vehicle, starting in 2020.
Firefly Aerospace has expanded its manufacturing facilities in Briggs, Texas, to support the production of Northrop Grumman's Antares 330 and the Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV). The company has added two new test stands and installed state-of-the-art machinery, including a new Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) machine.
Firefly Aerospace has introduced its Elytra orbital vehicle line, which offers enhanced on-orbit mobility and services. According to Firefly Aerospace, CEO Bill Weber, 'Elytra further expands our on-orbit services by opening access to more orbits, extending the life of each mission, and providing deorbiting services to help minimize space debris.
Firefly Aerospace conducted its first test launch of the Alpha launch vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The maiden flight demonstrated the company's capabilities, but an electrical issue caused a safe termination of flight.
Firefly Aerospace completed risk reduction testing for critical Miranda engine components ahead of the first hot fire scheduled this summer. Leveraging its flight-proven Reaver engines, Miranda will power the Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV) Firefly is co-developing with Northrop Grumman.
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 completed the first hot fire test for its Miranda engine, a critical milestone in the development of its propulsion system. The test was conducted at Firefly's rocket test and production site in Texas and validates the design of the engine's startup sequence and transient conditions.
Firefly Aerospace has secured an oversubscribed $175 million Series D funding round led by RPM Ventures. The round valued Firefly at over $2 billion, solidifying the company's position as a leader in responsive space services.
Firefly Aerospace has completed the acquisition of SciTec National Security Technology Company, a leading provider of advanced national security technologies. The deal brings together over four decades of experience in supporting high-stakes national security missions with Firefly's launch, lunar, and in-space vehicles.
Firefly Aerospace successfully landed its Blue Ghost lunar lander on the Moon's surface as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. The mission marks a historic milestone for the company, which has become the first commercial entity to achieve a fully successful soft-landing on the lunar surface.
Firefly Aerospace has awarded a Launch Services Agreement (LSA) to Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), allowing the small satellite company to utilize the Firefly Alpha launch vehicle. The agreement, announced June 4, 2018, marks the first time SSTL will use the Alpha launch vehicle, with launches set to begin in early 2020.
Firefly Aerospace has awarded SpaceX a contract to launch its Blue Ghost lunar lander in 2023. The Blue Ghost spacecraft will carry NASA instruments and technology demonstration payloads, as well as separately contracted commercial payloads.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a NASA contract to launch NOAA's QuickSounder environmental satellite on its Alpha rocket in 2026. The mission is part of NOAA's Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program, which aims to improve weather forecasting and climate models.
Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a fixed-price NASA contract for a dedicated Alpha launch of the Investigation of Convective Updrafts (INCUS) mission from Wallops Flight Facility. The company will provide responsive operations and mission flexibility, with the Alpha rocket supporting dedicated missions like INCUS.
Firefly Aerospace has signed a multi-launch agreement with L3Harris for three dedicated launches on its Alpha vehicle in 2026. The contract further positions Firefly as the leader in small-lift launch services.
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 been awarded an $8.2 million grant from the Texas Space Commission to expand its spacecraft manufacturing capabilities in Central Texas. The funding will support critical infrastructure improvements, workforce training, and STEM outreach programs.
Firefly Aerospace has announced plans to automate composite rocket production with Ingersoll Machine Tools' Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Mongoose Hybrid systems. The first system will be installed at its Texas facility in May 2021, followed by a second automated assembly line in Florida Space Coast beginning in 2022.
Firefly Aerospace has announced the selection of three educational payloads for launch as part of its DREAM program. The program, established in 2019, aims to make space attainable for everyone and provide opportunities for students to develop an interest in STEM fields.
Firefly Aerospace reported strong second-quarter earnings after its historic IPO, with a $1.3 billion backlog at the end of July. The company also secured FAA clearance for its Alpha spacecraft to return to flight.
Firefly Aerospace announced a second multi-launch agreement with L3Harris for up to 20 Alpha launches, expanding its launch services beyond existing agreements. According to Firefly, the new agreement supports L3Harris' space business and will enable the company to provide dedicated launch options for customers.
Firefly Aerospace announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 19,296,000 shares at $45.00 per share. The company has granted underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional shares.
Firefly Aerospace has announced Ocula, a new commercial lunar imaging service offering high-resolution ultraviolet and visible spectrum imaging from lunar orbit. Powered by telescopes from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Ocula will provide critical data for future human and robotic missions and support national security with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Firefly Aerospace has completed stage 1 acceptance testing of its Alpha launch vehicle and signed new customer agreements with Spire Global and Geometric Space Corporation. The Alpha launch vehicle is designed to deliver 1 metric ton to LEO and 630 kg to SSO, providing a unique capability in the small launch vehicle market.
Firefly Aerospace has appointed Deborah Lee James and Robert Cardillo to its Board of Directors, with Dr. Tom Markusic as CEO.
Firefly Aerospace has announced a multi-launch agreement with Lockheed Martin for 25 launches on its Alpha rocket through 2029. The partnership commits Lockheed Martin to 15 launch reservations and 10 optional launches.
Firefly Aerospace has announced plans to establish a mass production facility at Exploration Park, Florida, and conduct launch operations at Cape Canaveral Spaceport. The company will invest $52 million and bring over 200 high-paying jobs to the state of Florida.
Firefly Aerospace has announced that Bill Weber is no longer serving as CEO, effective immediately. Firefly board member Peter Schumacher will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
Firefly Aerospace, a developer of orbital launch vehicles for the small to medium satellite market, has formed an all-star advisory board. Initial appointments include Jeff Bingham, Robert M.
Firefly Aerospace is launching a global competition for academic and educational payloads, free of charge, on its inaugural launch vehicle. The Dedicated Research and Education Accelerator Mission (DREAM) payload aims to support and stimulate STEM globally.
Firefly Aerospace has completed the Critical Design Review of its Blue Ghost lunar lander, paving the way for construction and a September 2023 launch. The lander will carry NASA payloads to the Mare Crisium lunar basin, with several commercial payloads also on board.
Firefly Aerospace has announced an agreement with Klepsydra Technologies to demonstrate edge computing in space. The partnership will utilize Firefly's Elytra vehicle as an on-orbit edge computing platform for hosted software applications.
Firefly Aerospace has partnered with Xtenti to conduct a responsive space demonstration in support of the NRO. Scheduled for 2024, the mission will utilize Firefly's Elytra orbital vehicle and Xtenti's FANTM-RiDE payload dispenser.
Firefly Aerospace and Swedish Space Corporation have signed a collaborative agreement to jointly launch satellites with Firefly's Alpha rocket from Esrange Space Center in Sweden, starting in 2026. This partnership will establish an orbital launch service in Europe with a flight-proven launch vehicle, supporting commercial, civil, and defense customers.
Firefly Aerospace and Spaceflight Inc. have signed a Launch Services Agreement to meet growing demand for reliable space access. Firefly will secure the majority of payload mass aboard an upcoming Alpha launch, while Spaceflight will manage, integrate, and deploy multiple payloads on the flight.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc., an end-to-end space transportation company, and Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company small satellite constellation prime, have entered the hot standby phase for VICTUS NOX, a Tactically Responsive Space mission led by Space Systems Command's Space Safari Program Office. The team stands ready for the 24-hour callup and orbit requirements to complete final operations and launch at the first available window.
Firefly Aerospace has signed an Intellectual Property and Engineering Support Agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries to develop a U.S.-built version of IAI's Beresheet lunar lander for NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. Firefly will utilize IAI's flight-proven technology, while leveraging its own resources to create a low-cost integrated solution for reliable lunar surface missions.
Firefly Aerospace and Exolaunch GmbH have announced a Launch Services Agreement to integrate and launch multi-satellite clusters aboard Firefly's Alpha launch vehicle beginning in 2022. The partnership aims to accelerate the frequency of Alpha flights through collaborative efforts, leveraging Exolaunch's payload integration expertise and flight-proven launch hardware.
Firefly Aerospace has announced an agreement with the United Arab Emirates' Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to deliver the Rashid 2 Rover to the far side of the Moon on Firefly's Blue Ghost lander. The rover will demonstrate lunar surface mobility and in-situ resource utilization technologies, while payloads from Australia, the European Space Agency, and NASA will also be included.
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 has appointed Deborah Lee James to its advisory board, bringing 30 years of national security experience to the role. Ms.
Firefly Aerospace has announced plans to add an Alpha launch capability at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island, Virginia. The new facility will support Firefly's responsive space missions and enable the company to offer a diverse set of launch sites.
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.
Firefly Aerospace has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SciTec, Inc., a leader in advanced national security technologies, for approximately $855 million. The acquisition expands Firefly's capabilities in responsive launch, land, and orbit mission services, and enhances its ability to support defense missions.
Firefly Aerospace conducted its first-ever test flight of the Alpha rocket, achieving successful liftoff and progression to supersonic speed. The mission lasted over two minutes before an anomaly occurred, resulting in an early end.
Firefly Aerospace has secured AS9100 quality certification as it advances from developmental to production phase ahead of its Alpha launch vehicle's inaugural flight later this year. The certification marks a key milestone in Firefly's maturation process, with CEO Dr.
D-Orbit S.p.A., an Italian service provider of the New Space sector, has signed a multi-year framework agreement with US-based launch operator Firefly Aerospace Inc. to purchase launch capacity of the Firefly Alpha launch vehicle. The agreement grants D-Orbit the status of a preferred launch aggregation partner for the European market, allowing it to purchase, market, and resell launch vehicle capacity, and provide logistics support and integration activities at its operational premises in Italy.
Firefly Aerospace has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus Defence and Space to develop new space launch solutions for Airbus customers. The partnership aims to provide flexible and rapid launch options for small satellites, leveraging Firefly's affordability and convenience.
Aerojet Rocketdyne and Firefly Aerospace have announced a cooperative agreement to provide flexible access to space. The partnership combines the capabilities of both companies to offer dedicated small and medium launch capabilities to low Earth orbit (LEO), geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and the Moon.
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.