Fourth Launch for Firefly - Fly the Lightning [Live: 22.12.2023; 17:18 UTC]
EDIT 1: scrubbed due to weather
Source: Twitter
Firefly Aerospace is a new competitor in the small sat launch arena. It can carry payloads of up to 1000 kg to low Earth orbit.
Here is the company’s launch announcement with a handy visibility chart for everybody in the area
Heads up West Coast, if weather conditions cooperate, you may be able to catch a glimpse of our Alpha rocket launch! Our Fly the Lightning mission is scheduled to liftoff from Vandenberg, California, as early as tomorrow morning at 9:18 am PST. Starting at T-0, use this… pic.twitter.com/lzTZa8hETK
— Firefly Aerospace (@Firefly_Space) December 19, 2023
Like the Electron rocket by Rocket Lab, it is entirely made from carbon composites. Unlike the Electron, it is larger and can carry a bigger payload.
More remarkable is that the engines will run on a tap-off cycle. An engine type that has never gone orbital before.
| 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 |
Tim Dodd getting a tour of the facilities: Tour Firefly Aerospace's Factory and Test Site With Their CEO, Tom Markusic
Mission
The last “Victus Nox” mission proved that Firefly can provide rapid response capabilities for the Space Systems Command.
Can they repeat it and make it a guaranteed service?
Livestream
Firefly Aerospace: Alpha FLTA004 Fly The Lightning
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!
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
TMRO: YouTube
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