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Firefly Aerospace, an American space transportation company founded in 2017, announced on September 14, 2023 that the company successfully launched its self-developed Alpha rocket and successfully deployed the VICTUS NOX spacecraft into orbit. Led by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Space Safari Program Office and in close coordination with the Rocket Systems Launch Program, the mission advances the nation’s ability to rapidly respond to space needs during a conflict or in response to a threat to national security.
“Today was an incredible success for the Space Force, the Firefly team and our nation after completing this complex responsive space mission,” said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “Our combined commercial and government team executed the mission with record speed, agility and flexibility, adding a critical capability to meet national security needs.” After receiving notice of launch and orbit requirements from the US Space Force, Firefly Aerospace completed all final preparations for launch within 24 hours, including trajectory software updates, mounting the satellite on the rocket, transportation to the launch pad and provisioning the rocket of fuel. Alpha Aerospace then launched its rocket at the first available time, 27 hours after receiving launch orders.
The flight began with a nominal countdown and liftoff on September 14 and proceeded seamlessly through every phase of the flight, including the first stage main engine shutdown (MECO), lower stage shedding, and second stage ignition. Alpha then delivered the Millennium Space Systems satellite to the target destination in low Earth orbit. Firefly also successfully tested a re-ignition of the Alpha’s second rocket stage and a targeted reentry.
“I am incredibly proud of the team that achieved these critical milestones and successfully launched in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months in a typical operation,” said Adam Oakes, VP Launch Vehicles at Firefly Aerospace. “As our third flight, this mission further validates Firefly’s technological rigor, passion and dedication needed to prevail as the leading responsive launch provider for both government and commercial customers.”
“The success of the VICTUS NOX mission not only proves an important aspect of the United States’ TacRS capability, but also provides real benefit to the warfighter,” said Col. Bryon McClain, Program Executive Officer for the Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Directorate, which oversees SSC’s Space Safari program office. “Working closely with our Assured Access to Space team and industry partners, the Space Safari team continues to demonstrate how TacRS enables us to quickly respond to pressing needs in space.”
Building on today’s success, Firefly Aerospace is ramping up Alpha production and testing for multiple upcoming launches, including missions in support of Lockheed Martin, NASA, the NRO, and more.
Over Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company with launch, lunar and on-orbit services. Headquartered in central Texas, Firefly is a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners (“AEI”) focused on delivering fast, reliable and affordable access to space for government and commercial customers. Firefly’s small to medium launch vehicles, lunar landers and orbital vehicles provide the space industry with a single source for missions from low Earth orbit to the surface of the moon and beyond.
Bron: Firefly Aerospace
2023-09-16 15:43:20
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