Author Topic: Firefly Space : Company and Development General Thread  (Read 451431 times)

New article on Firefly, Tom Markusic and Max Polyakov:

Quote
After a remarkable resurrection, Firefly may reach space in 2019
"They said 'Screw it, let’s just do it and go to space.'"

Eric Berger - 2/11/2019, 12:45 PM

https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/02/firefly-returns-from-the-dead-with-a-larger-rocket-and-lunar-aspirations/

Nothing specific on immediate progress but lots of good background on the company and potential future plans (including the Gamma space plane!).

That's a really interesting article, thanks for sharing! I've been following Firefly since 2014, the idea of them launching this year kind of makes my head spin.
Wait, ∆V? This site will accept the ∆ symbol? How many times have I written out the word "delta" for no reason?

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48140
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81623
  • Likes Given: 36931
More evidence Firefly have the funding to get to orbit:

https://twitter.com/firefly_space/status/1097508385551986688

Quote
Early Saturday morning Firefly’s Facility Development team, led by Director Joel Waldrum, laid the foundation of Firefly’s new 25,000 square-foot R&D Machine Shop at our Briggs, TX site. Amazing work by the whole team!

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48140
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81623
  • Likes Given: 36931
https://twitter.com/firefly_space/status/1097955106073595905

Quote
Lightning engine thrust vector control (TVC) demo of a “Figure 8” pattern.  The TVC system, which utilizes in-house-developed actuators, control electronics and software, will allow the Alpha second stage GN&C algorithms to accurately insert payloads into low earth orbits.

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48140
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81623
  • Likes Given: 36931
https://twitter.com/emrekelly/status/1098962608365989888

Quote
At Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 20 for this morning’s announcement. Hey, the background might be a clue as to what’s coming to the Cape...

Edit to add:

https://twitter.com/emrekelly/status/1098966799029280771

Quote
The Alpha rockets Firefly Aerospace plans on launching from the Cape’s LC-20. Will be built at Exploration Park near @BlueOrigin’s facility.

https://twitter.com/emrekelly/status/1098968322291449857

Quote
Firefly Aerospace CEO Tom Markusic says his company has 300+ employees. Wants to launch Alpha and Beta rockets 24 times a year. $1.3 billion in contracts for work, he says.
« Last Edit: 02/22/2019 02:33 pm by FutureSpaceTourist »

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48140
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81623
  • Likes Given: 36931
Quote
Firefly Aerospace Announces Mass Production Facility and Cape Canaveral Launch Site

NEWS PROVIDED BY
Firefly Aerospace, Inc.
Feb 22, 2019, 11:00 ET

CEDAR PARK, Texas and EXPLORATION PARK, Fla., Feb. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Firefly Aerospace, Inc. (Firefly), a provider of economical and dependable launch vehicles, spacecraft and in-space services, announced today the execution of a binding term sheet with Space Florida, under which Firefly will establish business operations at Cape Canaveral Spaceport, including launch operations at historic Space Launch Complex 20 and manufacturing facilities at Exploration Park, Florida. Firefly's announcement is concurrent with its receipt of a Statement of Capability from the 45th Space Wing.

As Florida's spaceport development authority, Space Florida will enable the company's Florida operations by matching the company's infrastructure investments up to $18.9M via the Florida Department of Transportation Spaceport Improvement Program. Firefly will invest $52 million and will bring more than 200 high paying jobs to Florida.

"Firefly Aerospace is proud to be the newest member of the Florida Space Coast family," said Firefly CEO Dr. Tom Markusic. "Our mass production manufacturing facility in Exploration Park will enable Firefly to produce 24 Alpha vehicles a year, enabling a launch cadence that will support a rapidly expanding global small satellite revolution and the commercialization of cislunar space."

"Space Florida is pleased to welcome Firefly Aerospace to the Cape Canaveral Spaceport," said Frank DiBello, Space Florida President and CEO. "Firefly's presence in the State of Florida further solidifies that Florida's Spaceport System is poised to lead the world in this next space era. We look forward to the new launch and manufacturing capabilities that Firefly brings to SLC-20 and Exploration Park, respectively."

"The 45th Space Wing welcomes new launch providers who wish to assist in furthering America's assured access to space.  The Statement of Capability represents an important first step for Firefly Aerospace to obtain certification for launch operations on the Eastern Range," according to John Way, 45th Space Wing spokesperson.

"SLC-20 will allow Firefly access to lower inclination orbital trajectories for its customers and enable access to lunar trajectories for its lander program as part of our Commercial Lunar Payload Services contract with NASA." stated Brad Obrocto, Firefly Director of Launch Operations.

"The space industry is expected to be fastest growing segment of the worldwide economy in the coming decades, with analysts predicting a global market of over a $1 trillion a year by 2040," said Firefly CEO Dr. Tom Markusic. "Firefly Aerospace is uniquely positioned to be successful in this new economy.  With launch sites on both coasts and a mass production facility to support future growth, our global team of over 300 highly accomplished engineers and technicians will provide space solutions from LEO to the surface of the Moon and beyond."

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly is developing a family of launch vehicles and in-space services that provide industry-leading affordability, convenience and reliability. Firefly's launch vehicles utilize common technologies, manufacturing infrastructure and launch capabilities, providing LEO launch solutions for up to four metric tons of payload. Combined with Firefly's in-space services, Firefly provides the space industry with access to frequent launches at the lowest cost/kg, enabling ambitious commercial and exploration missions from LEO to the Moon. Headquartered in Cedar Park TX, Firefly has additional presence in Washington, D.C., Dnipro, Ukraine and Tokyo, Japan. Firefly is financed by Noosphere Ventures of Menlo Park, CA.

Contact

Eric Salwan
512-277-6959
[email protected]

ABOUT SPACE FLORIDA 
Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida's position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida's aerospace and spaceport development authority, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive – and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov

Contact

Sara Shell
321-277-6959
[email protected]

SOURCE Firefly Aerospace, Inc.

Related Links

http://fireflyspace.com/

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/firefly-aerospace-announces-mass-production-facility-and-cape-canaveral-launch-site-300800171.html

Offline PM3

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1481
  • Germany
  • Liked: 1840
  • Likes Given: 1299
Quote
Firefly Aerospace CEO Tom Markusic says his company has 300+ employees. Wants to launch Alpha and Beta rockets 24 times a year. $1.3 billion in contracts for work, he says.

What is a "contract for work"? And why doesn't he name the contractors?

1,3 B$ at a launch price of 15 M$ would be ~ 85 launches.  :o
"Never, never be afraid of the truth." -- Jim Bridenstine

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48140
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81623
  • Likes Given: 36931
Quote
D-Orbit Signs Framework Agreement with Firefly to Acquire Launch Capacity

Fino Mornasco, March 3, 2019: D-Orbit S.p.A., an Italian service provider of the New Space sector, signed a multi-year framework agreement with US-based launch operator Firefly Aerospace Inc. (Firefly) to purchase launch capacity of the Firefly Alpha launch vehicle.

The agreement grants D-Orbit the status of a preferred launch aggregation partner for the European market, allowing D-Orbit to purchase, market, and resell launch vehicle capacity, and to provide logistics support and integration activities at its operational premises in Italy.

“We are proud of this partnership with Firefly, one of the most innovative small payload launch operators,” said Pietro Guerrieri, D-Orbit Chief Strategic Officer. “Capitalizing on the capabilities of ION CubeSat Carrier, our free-flying CubeSat deployer, we are expanding our launch services portfolio and taking an additional step in our roadmap to offer the New Space market an innovative launch transportation solution.”

“Firefly Alpha was specifically designed with the needs of our rideshare partners in mind,” said Firefly CEO Dr. Tom Markusic. “Alpha’s 630 kg to 500 km SSO capacity allows D-Orbit significant flexibility in manifesting missions. Our agreement with D-Orbit for up to fifteen launches over 5 years will allow their customers frequent, reliable access to space, on the schedule of their choosing and to the orbit that best matches their business needs.

Alpha is the first of a series of launchers being developed by Firefly for the needs of the small satellite market. The first Alpha launch is scheduled for the end of 2019, with frequent launches in 2020 and beyond. Firefly will have launch sites at Vandenberg Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, enabling missions to polar, SSO and lower inclination orbits. 

ABOUT D-ORBIT

www.deorbitaldevices.com

D-Orbit is a service provider for the traditional and new space sectors, with capabilities in satellite manufacturing, launch, deployment, satellite operations, end-of-life strategies and solutions, space propulsion and related critical software. Its products and services cover the entire lifecycle of a space mission, including mission analysis and design, engineering, manufacturing, integration, testing, launch, and end-of-life decommissioning.

Founded in 2011, the Company is based in Como, Italy, in Washington DC, United States, and Lisbon, Portugal.

For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with:

Elena Sanfilippo Ceraso – Media Manager
[email protected]
+39 340 5323 870

Caterina Cazzola – Head of Communications
[email protected]
+39 340 2840 792

https://fireflyspace.com/%EF%BB%BFd-orbit-signs-framework-agreement-with-firefly-to-acquire-launch-capacity/
« Last Edit: 03/04/2019 01:26 pm by FutureSpaceTourist »

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48140
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81623
  • Likes Given: 36931
https://twitter.com/firefly_space/status/1103022380614443008

Quote
As the Alpha upper stage continues Qualification testing on the vertical stage test stand (TS-2), Firefly’s horizontal test stand (TS-1) has been retrofitted with the first stage thrust structure to begin Reaver single and multi-engine testing. #Reavers! #MakingSpaceForEveryone

Online FutureSpaceTourist

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 48140
  • UK
    • Plan 28
  • Liked: 81623
  • Likes Given: 36931
https://twitter.com/Firefly_Space/status/1103667960294662144

Quote
The Firefly test team recently executed a 180 second test of our integrated Lightning engine. The extreme heat generated some “Popcrete” near the end of the test…and melted another camera. #MakingSpaceForEveryone
« Last Edit: 03/07/2019 02:05 pm by FutureSpaceTourist »

Offline spacevogel

  • Member
  • Posts: 28
  • Liked: 22
  • Likes Given: 42
Interview with Max Polyakov about Firefly (in Russian, so Google translate is your friend). Not that interesting, but this bit of info is new (?):
Quote
- In December, will you send your own satellites to orbit on the first rocket?
- Airbus vehicles will fly on it (by the way, it booked seats on 16 of our rockets). The weight of each of these satellites is 210 kilograms. For potential customers, it is important that our rocket will be able to deliver their spacecraft to precisely the orbit that suits them the most.

We are building three of our own satellites now, sending them into space early next year on our rocket. How they will be called, have not yet decided.

Airbus satellites = OneWeb, as I understand.

Offline Bean Kenobi

  • Member
  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 578
  • Liked: 367
  • Likes Given: 248
Airbus satellites = OneWeb, as I understand.

Oneweb satellites are in the 150 kilograms class, not 210.

Offline Skyrocket

  • Extreme Veteran
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2631
  • Frankfurt am Main, Germany
  • Liked: 940
  • Likes Given: 172
Interview with Max Polyakov about Firefly (in Russian, so Google translate is your friend). Not that interesting, but this bit of info is new (?):
Quote
- In December, will you send your own satellites to orbit on the first rocket?
- Airbus vehicles will fly on it (by the way, it booked seats on 16 of our rockets). The weight of each of these satellites is 210 kilograms. For potential customers, it is important that our rocket will be able to deliver their spacecraft to precisely the orbit that suits them the most.

We are building three of our own satellites now, sending them into space early next year on our rocket. How they will be called, have not yet decided.

Airbus satellites = OneWeb, as I understand.

Likely some SSTL satellites (SSTL is now a subsidiary of Airbus). Carbonite-4 is likely the first of those.

Offline Olaf

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3124
  • Germany
  • Liked: 1481
  • Likes Given: 455

Offline PM3

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1481
  • Germany
  • Liked: 1840
  • Likes Given: 1299
So what did Firefly announce so far?

- Jun 2018: A "Launch Services Agreement" with SSTL, including a contract to launch one tech demonstration microsat.
- Nov 2018: NASA bought an option for eventually launching moon payloads on the Beta.
- Dec 2018: A Launch Brokerage Agreement with Spaceflight; no launches contracted so far.
- Feb 2019: "$1.3 billion in contracts for work", whatever that means. Potential launch contracts?
- Mar 2019: A "framwork agreement" with the startup D-Orbit; no launches contracted so far.
- Mar 2019: A marketing cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space.

(I may have missed some more cooperations and framework agreements.)

To sum up: They want to launch Alphas in 2020 with total ~5 t of SSO payload capacity, they have several capable integration and marketing partners, but so far sold only one rideshare for a microsat that probably will launch at a discount, if not for free.

Compare that to Virgin, Orbex and even Vector, who sold launches already in early stages of development. Looks like potential customers don't believe Firefly's promises.
"Never, never be afraid of the truth." -- Jim Bridenstine

Offline TrevorMonty

So what did Firefly announce so far?

- Jun 2018: A "Launch Services Agreement" with SSTL, including a contract to launch one tech demonstration microsat.
- Nov 2018: NASA bought an option for eventually launching moon payloads on the Beta.
- Dec 2018: A Launch Brokerage Agreement with Spaceflight; no launches contracted so far.
- Feb 2019: "$1.3 billion in contracts for work", whatever that means. Potential launch contracts?
- Mar 2019: A "framwork agreement" with the startup D-Orbit; no launches contracted so far.
- Mar 2019: A marketing cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space.

(I may have missed some more cooperations and framework agreements.)

To sum up: They want to launch Alphas in 2020 with total ~5 t of SSO payload capacity, they have several capable integration and marketing partners, but so far sold only one rideshare for a microsat that probably will launch at a discount, if not for free.

Compare that to Virgin, Orbex and even Vector, who sold launches already in early stages of development. Looks like potential customers don't believe Firefly's promises.
Where did you get 5t from.
Alpha is 1000t LEO, 600kg SSO.
3 core Beta is 4t LEO and will fly a year or two after Alpha.

Offline PM3

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1481
  • Germany
  • Liked: 1840
  • Likes Given: 1299
Where did you get 5t from.
Alpha is 1000t LEO, 600kg SSO.
3 core Beta is 4t LEO and will fly a year or two after Alpha.

8 launches per NSF US Launch Schedule x 600 kg
"Never, never be afraid of the truth." -- Jim Bridenstine

Offline ParabolicSnark

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 146
  • CA
  • Liked: 189
  • Likes Given: 124
3 core Beta is 4t LEO and will fly a year or two after Alpha.

I have a bridge to sell for anyone believing that Beta will launch within 3 years of the first Alpha launch. People are notorious for falling for the "just add strap-on boosters" approach being an easily solvable problem. *Cough*Falcon Heavy*Cough*

Offline Tomness

  • Full Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 660
  • Into the abyss will I run
  • Liked: 289
  • Likes Given: 737
3 core Beta is 4t LEO and will fly a year or two after Alpha.

I have a bridge to sell for anyone believing that Beta will launch within 3 years of the first Alpha launch. People are notorious for falling for the "just add strap-on boosters" approach being an easily solvable problem. *Cough*Falcon Heavy*Cough*

Some if these guys came from falcon, so maybe they know what it takes to get her flying. I wish them well, hope they can compete.

Offline Robotbeat

  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 39270
  • Minnesota
  • Liked: 25240
  • Likes Given: 12115
3 core Beta is 4t LEO and will fly a year or two after Alpha.

I have a bridge to sell for anyone believing that Beta will launch within 3 years of the first Alpha launch. People are notorious for falling for the "just add strap-on boosters" approach being an easily solvable problem. *Cough*Falcon Heavy*Cough*
No reason to believe it can't be done in 3 years. Delta IV first flew in 2002, Delta IV Heavy first flew in 2004, just 2 years later.

SpaceX may have underestimated the difficulty of getting Falcon Heavy flying once Falcon 9 was proven, but part of the reason for the delay is they improved Falcon 9 SO much that Falcon Heavy really wasn't necessary for the vast majority of the flights any more. Falcon 9 now (22800kg to LEO, 8300kg to GTO) has *almost* as much performance (to LEO and GTO) as the original Falcon 9 Heavy concept (24750kg LEO, 9650kg GTO): https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Falcon_9&oldid=133599282 .
Chris  Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

To the maximum extent practicable, the Federal Government shall plan missions to accommodate the space transportation services capabilities of United States commercial providers. US law http://goo.gl/YZYNt0

Offline TrevorMonty

Where did you get 5t from.
Alpha is 1000t LEO, 600kg SSO.
3 core Beta is 4t LEO and will fly a year or two after Alpha.

8 launches per NSF US Launch Schedule x 600 kg
I see total payload across the various missions, not mass for single launch.

 

Advertisement NovaTech
Advertisement Northrop Grumman
Advertisement
Advertisement Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island
Advertisement Brady Kenniston
Advertisement NextSpaceflight
Advertisement Nathan Barker Photography
1