I sort of expected this news for the MARS Pad 0A to be used by Firefly Alpha, Firefly MLV and NGIS Antares 330. I've two questions. How many launches are allowed to be performed from Wallops? With use growing significantly because there are multiple uses, Firefly with Alpha and MLV, Rocketlab with Electron/ Haste and Neutron, and NGIS with Antares 330 and the Minotaur I/IV/V. A lot more launches are going to take place in a couple of years. Considering the situation at Vandenberg Airforce base, where environmental groups are fighting against higher launch rates. Could a similar situation take place at Wallops/MARS?The second question is if Firefly can also make Cape SLC-20 and VAFB LC-2W suitable for both Alpha and MLV?
What advantage does wallops provide given Alpha already can launch from Cape and vandenburg?
I think Firefly will require at least the MARS pad 0A and LC-2 pads for Alpha and MLV, so than can launch to both low and high inclinations.
Firefly Aerospace has announced plans to launch Firefly Alpha from Esrange in Sweden. Notably, they say they'll launch from LC-3C, which according to Esrange's user handbook is part of the "Phase 2" build-out of the site's orbital launch capabilities (LC-3A and LC-3B being Phase 1). So that gives some sense of how far away Esrange is from hosting Firefly Alpha.
Alpha is going international! Together with @SSCspace, Firefly is expanding Alpha's launch capabilities to Esrange Space Center in Sweden starting in 2026. This new partnership will unlock a long-awaited capability for the European satellite market. Get the details here: https://bit.ly/3zmjlG9
Quote from: trimeta on 06/27/2024 02:46 pmFirefly Aerospace has announced plans to launch Firefly Alpha from Esrange in Sweden. Notably, they say they'll launch from LC-3C, which according to Esrange's user handbook is part of the "Phase 2" build-out of the site's orbital launch capabilities (LC-3A and LC-3B being Phase 1). So that gives some sense of how far away Esrange is from hosting Firefly Alpha.Where is the dislike button.Orbital launch from a land locked launch site. Does Firefly want to operate like China's Long march 2?Nice Sweden, SSC way to stick a knife in the back of European launcher startups. I expect Norway will block these launches.
Firefly Alpha flights 6 and 7 are coming up soon. Flight 6 is a commercial mission for Lockheed Martin, and Flight 7 is the first Elytra flight for the NRO. Elytra is a kind of space tug.
Miranda Engine 60 Second Hot Fire TestFirefly Aerospace12 Jul 2024Volume on! We completed a 60 second hot fire test of our full length Miranda engine! All of which was designed, built, and tested at our Rocket Ranch in Briggs, TX.
Miranda is making moves! Just 24 hours after completing a 60 second hot fire on our full length engine, the team nailed mission duty cycle at 206 seconds, matching the longest engine burn during flight. With this milestone behind us, we're setting the pace in bringing the new medium class of launch vehicles to market. @northropgrumman
scoop—Firefly Aerospace is investigating allegations that CEO Bill Weber had an inappropriate relationship with an employee, amid broader concerns about the company's culture
Leadership Change at FireflyCedar Park, Texas, July 17, 2024 – Firefly Aerospace’s Board of Directors announced that Bill Weber is no longer serving as CEO of the company, effective immediately. Firefly board member Peter Schumacher will serve as interim CEO while the board initiates a search. Schumacher previously served in this role at Firefly and will lead the company’s more than 700 passionate, hardworking, and talented professionals. A Transition Committee, led by board member and aerospace industry veteran Chris Emerson, will support Schumacher and the Firefly team.
Jul 24, 2024On July 12, just 24 hours after completing a 60 second hot fire, the Firefly team completed mission duty cycle on its full-length Miranda engine with a 206 second hot fire, matching the longest engine burn during flight.
