Multi-Launch Agreement Reached Between Firefly Aerospace and Lockheed Martin
Deal Secures Launch Slots Through 2029
A multi-launch agreement has been reached for 15 launch reservations and 10 optional launches for Lockheed Martin utilizing the Firefly Alpha rocket. The terms of the deal run through 2029.
"The Firefly team has scaled up Alpha production and testing and significantly streamlined our launch operations to fly Alpha more frequently and responsively."
Bill Weber, Firefly Aerospace
Under the agreement, Alpha will launch Lockheed Martin spacecraft into low-Earth orbit from Firefly's facilities on the west and east coast. The first mission will launch on Alpha flight 6 (FLTA006) from Firefly's SLC-2 launch site at the Vandenberg Space Force Base later this year. The mission will be conducted as another responsive space operation that includes transporting the payload fairing to the launch pad, mating it to Firefly's Alpha rocket, and completing final launch operations within hours of the scheduled liftoff.
"The Firefly team has scaled up Alpha production and testing and significantly streamlined our launch operations to fly Alpha more frequently and responsively. This allows us to continue delivering the one metric ton rocket the industry is demanding," said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace.
Built with lightweight carbon composites and patented propulsion technologies, Firefly's Alpha rocket provides low-cost launch services for satellites up to 1,030 kg and supports the growing demand for responsive space missions when and where customers need to fly.
"This agreement with Firefly further diversifies our access to space, allowing us to continue quickly flight demonstrating the cutting-edge technology we are developing for them, as well as enabling our continued exploration of tactical and responsive space solutions," said Bob Behnken, Director, Ignite Technology Acceleration at Lockheed Martin Space.
Lockheed Martin is developing payload technologies through internal investment to support a variety of mission areas, such as earth observation, global ubiquitous communications, climate monitoring and beyond.
"Our goal is to accelerate the delivery of new technology solutions that are flight proven and ready to carry out our customers' critical space missions. Diversifying our options for launch services ensures our ability to prove out technologies we're developing on orbit," Behnken said.