Alpha Launch Vehicle will Carry Lockheed Martin Payload
A launch agreement has been reached between Lockheed Martin and Firefly to support a technology demonstration mission that will ride into space aboard Firefly’s Alpha Launch Vehicle.
“We are working with Firefly because of their innovative performance in offering access to space for small payloads on Firefly Alpha.”
Dan Tenney, Lockheed Martin Space
Firefly’s Alpha rocket provides affordable and responsive launch services with the capability to lift more than 1,000 kg (≈2,200 pounds) to low Earth orbit. The Alpha launch vehicle utilizes Firefly’s patented tap-off cycle propulsion technology and carbon composite sandwich structures to reduce mass and costs and improve strength and reliability. As a launch provider, Firefly provides an important capability to Lockheed Martin in supporting access to space for its key spacecraft technologies.
Firefly Alpha Launch Vehicle Provides On-Demand Launch Services
“Firefly’s flight-proven hardware and rapid launch capabilities are well-aligned with Lockheed Martin’s mission needs, and we’re proud to serve as one of their launch providers,” said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “We have the infrastructure, technologies, systems, and a dedicated team in place to provide on-demand launch services for both government and commercial customers.”
“We are working with Firefly because of their innovative performance in offering access to space for small payloads on Firefly Alpha,” said Dan Tenney, vice president, strategy and business development, Lockheed Martin Space. “We look forward to collaborating with them, as we focus on creating a resilient launch environment for our upcoming technology demonstration.”
The Alpha launch vehicle supports rapid mission schedules with automated, in-house manufacturing capabilities. Firefly says they are capable of encapsulating, mating, and launching payloads within 24 hours of receiving notice and the orbit requirements.
As an American company headquartered in central Texas, Firefly is focused on delivering responsive, reliable, and affordable space access for government and commercial customers. Firefly’s small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, Space Utility Vehicles, and Blue Ghost lunar landers provide the space industry with a single source for missions from LEO to the surface of the Moon and beyond, according to the company.
(Source: Firefly Aerospace news release. Images provided and from file)