Firefly Alpha - FLTA006 - Message in a Booster [Live: 31.03.25; 00:00 UTC]
15.03.25: Launch delayed due to range constraints. Working on a new date. Source: X
26.03.25: new launch date: 31.03.25
Firefly Aerospace is an emerging player in the small satellite launch market. Its Firefly Alpha rocket is designed to carry payloads of up to 1,000 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO). Similar to Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket, the Firefly Alpha is constructed entirely from carbon composites. However, it is larger and capable of delivering a heavier payload. A notable feature of the Alpha is its use of a tap-off cycle engine, a design that has not previously achieved orbital flight.
Here’s a comparison of the Firefly Alpha and Electron rockets:
| Rocket | Height [m] | Diameter [m] | Payload to SSO [kg] | Cost per Launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefly Alpha | 29 | 1.8 | 630 | ~ $15 - $18 million |
| Electron | 18 | 1.2 | 200 | ~ $8 million |
As a relatively new entrant in the aerospace industry, Firefly has experienced both setbacks and successes. Flights 3 and 5 were completed successfully, and the company aims to build on this progress with its next mission.
Blue Ghost Mission 1
In addition to its rocket program, Firefly Aerospace developed the Blue Ghost lunar lander. The spacecraft launched on January 15, 2025, and successfully landed on the Moon on March 2, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company.
For more details on the lunar program, Ellie in Space provided an inside look in January 2023: Firefly Aerospace Behind the Scenes Moon Lander Testing.
Scott Manley’s commentary on the landing: Blue Ghost's Landing Video Reveals Exactly Where It Landed On The Moon
Additional footage of the Blue Ghost Mission 1 are available here:
The upcoming Firefly Alpha launch will be another opportunity for the company to demonstrate its capabilities in the competitive space industry.
Livestream
Firefly Aerospace: Alpha FLTA006
Additional Information on Firefly
Firefly Aerospace: Firefly Alpha FLTA001
First launch attempt: Reaver Causes Destruction of FireFly – Scott Manley
Cost-Plus Content: Firefly Aerospace: How the Alpha Rocket Will Change the Small-Sat Market
Tim Dodd: Who will be the KING of the Small Sat Launchers?!
Scott Manley: Firefly Will Replace Russian Engines On Antares Rocket With Beta Booster
Tim Dodd: Up close and personal with Firefly's Alpha rocket!
Tim Dodd getting a tour of the facilities: Tour Firefly Aerospace's Factory and Test Site With Their CEO, Tom Markusic
24 Hour Rocket Launch Operations in 1 Minute!
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
Great detail, thanks. Firefly's Blue Ghost was the second commercial company to land on the moon, after Intuitive Machines' IM-1 mission in February 2024.
Even though both landings where successful in that neither crashed, Firefly claims to be the first with a "fully successful" landing, because their lander landed upright and stable, while IM-1's lander tipped but remained operational.
This view is controversial, as Firefly's claim of being the first "fully successful" landing it not considered correct by everyone.
Looking at the recent history, there is some value in making that distinction. We have seen a lot of near misses.
It is exciting to see the increased interest in the Moon. Especially from private companies.
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