Firefly Alpha Rocket Suffers Launch Anomaly
Lockheed Martin LM 400 Tech Demo Payload Lost
The Firefly Alpha rocket carrying a demonstration payload for Lockheed Martin experienced an anomaly during launch Tuesday from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, resulting in the loss of the payload, Lockheed Martin’s LM 400 tech demo with a goal to prove out the risk-reduction and pathfinding efforts the company has done for its multi-mission satellite bus.
"The team is working closely with our customers and the FAA to conduct an investigation and determine root cause of the anomaly.”
Firefly Aerospace Statement
According to the company, Firefly’s Alpha FLTA006 launch began with a nominal liftoff and progressed through first stage flight, reaching target separation velocity. The rocket then experienced a mishap between stage separation and second stage ignition that led to the loss of the Lightning engine nozzle extension, substantially reducing the engine’s thrust.
Initial indications showed Alpha’s upper stage reached 320 km (≈199 miles) in altitude. However, upon further assessment, the team learned the upper stage did not reach orbital velocity, and the stage and payload have now safely impacted the Pacific Ocean in a cleared zone north of Antarctica.
"Firefly recognizes the hard work that went into payload development and would like to thank our mission partners at Lockheed Martin for their continued support," the company said in a statement posted to its website. "The team is working closely with our customers and the FAA to conduct an investigation and determine root cause of the anomaly. We will provide more information on our mission page after the investigation is completed."
Alpha FLTA006 is the second mission Firefly launched for Lockheed Martin and the first of Firefly’s multi-launch agreement with Lockheed Martin that includes up to 25 missions over the next five years.
The FAA said in a statement that it will be involved in every step of the mishap investigation process and must approve Firefly’s final report, including any corrective actions. A mishap investigation is designed to enhance public safety, determine the root cause of the event, and identify corrective actions to avoid it from happening again.
A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety. In addition, Firefly may need to request and receive approval from the FAA to modify its license that incorporates any corrective actions and meet all other licensing requirements.