Discussion thread for Firefly Aerospace's third mission with its Alpha rocket "FLT003".The launch was scheduled for February, but according to the FCC license, it looks like it will be in April at the earliest.https://twitter.com/FccSpace/status/1618678961029931008
Purpose of OperationPlease explain the purpose of operation: Launch vehicle communication for Firefly Alpha rocket FLTA003.
Launch update: Our next launch, FLTA003, will support the @SpaceForceDoD responsive space mission, VICTUS NOX. We’re in the final integration of our Alpha rocket and will soon stand ready for the 24-hour call-up. We’re honored to work with this incredible team! #PartnersInSpace
YOOOO! Seems FLTA003 & 4 swapped places; VICTUS NOX 1st, ELaNa 43 2nd.Recap of the mission profile:After finishing integration, the vehicle will sit & wait for a notice to alert, at which point they have 60 hours to get the rocket from the HIF to ready on the pad.(1/?)
There it can sit for up to a month. At some point during that time, Firefly will get a notice to launch, and they have just 24 HOURS (!!) to get VICTUS NOX into LEO.This is a super demanding rapid response launch test for the US military. Overall a very exciting mission.(2/?)
Currently NET mid-April TMK, this mission has a somewhat wide timeframe given its purposely unpredictable nature.Day/night launch, weekday/end, etc. pretty much isn't going to be known until the day before.Sorry to those who want to see it in person...(3/3)
Launch Update: Things are rockin' in Vandenberg! The team has moved Alpha to the pad ahead of final system testing and a full-duration static fire for the @SpaceForceDoD VICTUS NOX responsive space mission.
FLTA003 Update: Last week was incredibly productive as we continued to prep for the @SpaceForceDoD #VICTUSNOX mission. The team nailed a dry-run of mating the payload fairing to Alpha on the launch pad – a first for us and a key capability to enable responsive space missions.
FLTA003 Update: Big congrats to the Firefly team for completing a full-duration static fire on the first attempt for the @SpaceForceDoD #VICTUSNOX mission. Our “test before you fly” approach confirms all systems and components are operating within flight parameters before launch.
There will be NOTAMs, NOTMARs, etc.?
Could Falcon 9 and Alpha both launch on the same day (March 25)? Are there any technical reasons that prevent this?
Quote from: CorvusCorax on 04/23/2022 07:59 pmI'm curious, there's now two Starlink missions planned, both from Florida, and both for May 8.Although they say the best way to ensure two launches won't conflict is to schedule them for the same day, these two ended up falling together relatively close to launch day. And SpaceX HAS two pads.Would it be possible for SpaceX to do "2 for the price of 1" by handling 2 launch campaigns simultaneously from the same firing room?If so, what would be the temporal spacing required? I assume ideally flight 1 should have landed/reached at least parking orbit before flight 2 enters terminal count. That way if someone yells "HOLD HOLD HOLD" on the net it's always clear which vehicle is meant But they could also be 20+h apart in which case everyone actually gets a good nights sleep in between and we'd see nothing really groundbreaking new.But I'm kinda rooting for a launch webcast with 2 successive launches one right after the other.What does Starlink orbital mechanics say? Would launching two batches so close after each other even make sense? What planes do these birds need to go to?SpaceX can launch from both LC39A and SLC-40 on the same day, but they need approximately 16-18 hours between launches for the 45th Space Wing to reset common range assets. I speculate that they might be able to shave that time down if the two launches are flying on similar trajectories. "Brig. Gen. Monteith stated that this new AFTS combined with two operational SpaceX pads at Kennedy and the CCAFS will allow the company to launch two Falcon 9 rockets – one from 39A and one from SLC-40 – within 16 to 18 hours of each other.“When pad 40 is up and operating, [it will] give us the capability of launching a Falcon from both pad 39A and pad 40 on the same day,” stated the Brig. Gen."https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/03/air-force-reveals-48-launches-year-cape/Article from March 20, 2017
I'm curious, there's now two Starlink missions planned, both from Florida, and both for May 8.Although they say the best way to ensure two launches won't conflict is to schedule them for the same day, these two ended up falling together relatively close to launch day. And SpaceX HAS two pads.Would it be possible for SpaceX to do "2 for the price of 1" by handling 2 launch campaigns simultaneously from the same firing room?If so, what would be the temporal spacing required? I assume ideally flight 1 should have landed/reached at least parking orbit before flight 2 enters terminal count. That way if someone yells "HOLD HOLD HOLD" on the net it's always clear which vehicle is meant But they could also be 20+h apart in which case everyone actually gets a good nights sleep in between and we'd see nothing really groundbreaking new.But I'm kinda rooting for a launch webcast with 2 successive launches one right after the other.What does Starlink orbital mechanics say? Would launching two batches so close after each other even make sense? What planes do these birds need to go to?
Bump: Will launch occur in the remaining days this month?
NextSpaceflight, updated April 29:NET May 2023
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 04/30/2023 04:32 pmNextSpaceflight, updated April 29:NET May 2023I'm a little late but with some information, I waited until the last minute to move the launch to May since the launch notice comes a day earlier literally, it seems that Firefly has not yet received either of the two notices (T-60 hrs and T-24 hrs alerts) from Space Force, so there is a small chance that the launch will be delayed one more month.We'll see how the preparations progress and the notices that will be a day earlier.In addition, Everyday Astronaut will not be broadcasting live and the media will not have access for this mission.
"Conquer the night"@Firefly_Space is about to launch its third Alpha rocket, while Millennium is preparing for the Space Force call to ship the “Victus Nox” satellite to Vandenberg.More about the 24-hour notice mission, and its crucial opportunity:
.@USSF_SSC's Space Safari Lt. Col. MacKenzie Birchenough:“They don’t know when they’re going to get the call to launch."“From their perspective, the things that normally happen over weeks or months are now crunched down to basically minutes and days.”
Firefly CEO Bill Weber: "When Victus Nox launches, our intention is to go two months after that and on in succession. Alpha will be that predictable schedule, of a one metric ton rocket [flying] every two months.”
Millennium CEO Jason Kim: “The idea there is if you take something that’s off the production line, you don’t have to start from scratch to rapidly deploy a tactically responsive space capability to meet an urgent need..."
Alpha FLTA003 Update: Built in under 4 months, our new payload processing facility in Vandenberg is lookin’ good.
Equipped w/ a cleanroom & the ability to fuel hypergolic spacecraft, this facility will be used to process, integrate and encapsulate the Millennium Space Systems payload in a matter of HOURS for the upcoming @SpaceForceDoD #VICTUSNOX launch - that’s how we do responsive launch!
US Space Force to attempt to replace a damaged satellite in less than 24 hours
Quote from: russianhalo117 on 05/17/2023 11:57 pmUS Space Force to attempt to replace a damaged satellite in less than 24 hoursThe sentence "this attempt, known officially as Tactically Responsive Launch-3, will be the first to have a ground-based rocket deliver a satellite payload into space directly" is kind of hiding that "ground-based" is the unique part here: the previous TacRL-2 launch used Pegasus XL. (Perhaps more notably, TacRL-2 had a 21-day callup, while TacRS-3 is down to a 24-hour callup; in my opinion, that's more significant than ground-launch vs. air-launch.)
Quote from: trimeta on 05/18/2023 12:15 amQuote from: russianhalo117 on 05/17/2023 11:57 pmUS Space Force to attempt to replace a damaged satellite in less than 24 hoursThe sentence "this attempt, known officially as Tactically Responsive Launch-3, will be the first to have a ground-based rocket deliver a satellite payload into space directly" is kind of hiding that "ground-based" is the unique part here: the previous TacRL-2 launch used Pegasus XL. (Perhaps more notably, TacRL-2 had a 21-day callup, while TacRS-3 is down to a 24-hour callup; in my opinion, that's more significant than ground-launch vs. air-launch.)Original programme was TacRL a d follow on programme is TacRS. Per contacts they are classed financially as separate projects with TacRL office winding down as TacRS office started up. The original programme started out of the ORS programme. It has had many names over the years. TacRS is the first iteration fully under the USSF rather than gambling handed over.
NextSpaceflight, updated May 24:QuoteVICTUS NOX (TacRS-3)Launch TimeNET June 2023
VICTUS NOX (TacRS-3)Launch TimeNET June 2023
Quote from: trimeta on 05/18/2023 12:15 amQuote from: russianhalo117 on 05/17/2023 11:57 pmUS Space Force to attempt to replace a damaged satellite in less than 24 hoursThe sentence "this attempt, known officially as Tactically Responsive Launch-3, will be the first to have a ground-based rocket deliver a satellite payload into space directly" is kind of hiding that "ground-based" is the unique part here: the previous TacRL-2 launch used Pegasus XL. (Perhaps more notably, TacRL-2 had a 21-day callup, while TacRS-3 is down to a 24-hour callup; in my opinion, that's more significant than ground-launch vs. air-launch.)Considering that the most common launch delays are due to weather, do we know if Firefly has any means to mitigate that factor? Pegasus had the advantage of being able to both launch from multiple sites and fly above any inclement weather.
Quote from: IanO on 05/25/2023 09:30 pmQuote from: trimeta on 05/18/2023 12:15 amQuote from: russianhalo117 on 05/17/2023 11:57 pmUS Space Force to attempt to replace a damaged satellite in less than 24 hoursThe sentence "this attempt, known officially as Tactically Responsive Launch-3, will be the first to have a ground-based rocket deliver a satellite payload into space directly" is kind of hiding that "ground-based" is the unique part here: the previous TacRL-2 launch used Pegasus XL. (Perhaps more notably, TacRL-2 had a 21-day callup, while TacRS-3 is down to a 24-hour callup; in my opinion, that's more significant than ground-launch vs. air-launch.)Considering that the most common launch delays are due to weather, do we know if Firefly has any means to mitigate that factor? Pegasus had the advantage of being able to both launch from multiple sites and fly above any inclement weather.Wait, was Pegasus really that immune to upper level winds?
High resolution satellite imagery shows what appears to be @Firefly_Space's Alpha rocket (minus the payload fairing) at SLC-2W, as preparations continue for the upcoming VICTUS NOX (TacRS-3) mission.Image capture time: 2023-06-21 19:02:45 UTC
Launch Roundup: SpaceX to launch Euclid; Virgin Galactic to fly crewed suborbital missionJune 26, 2023[...]The launch time and date are not yet known, and Firefly has 24 hours to launch the satellite after the US Space Force gives the order to launch the payload. The launch is expected to happen sometime this week. The satellite’s purpose is listed as “space domain awareness,” and the flight is meant to test a rapid launch capability for the DoD.[...]
Do we expect to get an exact time from Firefly, after the Space Force gives the go?
The company is under contract to launch a Space Force mission called “Victus Nox” sometime this summer . . .
NextSpaceflight, updated July 20:QuoteVICTUS NOX (TacRS-3)Launch TimeNET August 2023
VICTUS NOX (TacRS-3)Launch TimeNET August 2023
https://twitter.com/mirandahw_/status/1666424606943576065
NextSpaceflight, updated August 25:Launch NET September 2023The wait is mildly annoying.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 08/26/2023 03:34 amNextSpaceflight, updated August 25:Launch NET September 2023The wait is mildly annoying.Why don't they launch a different payload in meantime. Their other customers must be getting sick of waiting.
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 08/26/2023 11:17 amQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 08/26/2023 03:34 amNextSpaceflight, updated August 25:Launch NET September 2023The wait is mildly annoying.Why don't they launch a different payload in meantime. Their other customers must be getting sick of waiting. Think they only have one set of launch hardware, which is currently occupied by the flight 3 Alpha standing by for launch.
Quote from: Zed_Noir on 08/26/2023 01:36 pmQuote from: TrevorMonty on 08/26/2023 11:17 amQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 08/26/2023 03:34 amNextSpaceflight, updated August 25:Launch NET September 2023The wait is mildly annoying.Why don't they launch a different payload in meantime. Their other customers must be getting sick of waiting. Think they only have one set of launch hardware, which is currently occupied by the flight 3 Alpha standing by for launch.Is the rocket waiting for the payload/mission, or is it the other way around? - Ed Kyle
Quote from: edkyle99 on 08/27/2023 02:15 pmQuote from: Zed_Noir on 08/26/2023 01:36 pmQuote from: TrevorMonty on 08/26/2023 11:17 amQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 08/26/2023 03:34 amNextSpaceflight, updated August 25:Launch NET September 2023The wait is mildly annoying.Why don't they launch a different payload in meantime. Their other customers must be getting sick of waiting. Think they only have one set of launch hardware, which is currently occupied by the flight 3 Alpha standing by for launch.Is the rocket waiting for the payload/mission, or is it the other way around? - Ed KyleRocket and Payload are both ready, but they are waiting for the US Space Force to give them the go-ahead to proceed with a launch attempt.
The Firefly team now stands ready for the 24-hour callup for the SpaceForceDoD VICTUSNOX responsive space mission. We've officially entered the "hot standby phase" and wait to receive the notice to launch and final orbit requirements.
August 30, 2023Firefly Aerospace and Millennium Space Systems Stand Ready for Responsive U.S. Space Force MissionVANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif, August 30, 2023 – Firefly Aerospace, Inc., an end-to-end space transportation company, and Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) small satellite constellation prime, have entered the hot standby phase for VICTUS NOX, a Tactically Responsive Space mission led by Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Space Safari Program Office. The team stands ready for the 24-hour callup and orbit requirements to complete final operations and launch at the first available window.“Challenging missions like this is where Firefly excels, and we are extremely humbled and proud to provide the U.S. Space Force and the nation with the critical capability to launch on-demand in support of national security,” said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “Together with our mission partners, we’ll be setting a new standard, proving nominal launch operations can be completed in a matter of hours rather than weeks to months.”Millennium and Firefly have entered a six-month hot standby phase and will wait for activation at an intentionally unknown time. During this phase, the U.S. Space Force will give the mission team an alert notification, kicking off a 60-hour window to transport the payload to Vandenberg Space Force Base, conduct fueling operations, and integrate it with Firefly’s Alpha payload adaptor.Space Force officials will then issue Firefly a launch notice with the final orbit requirements. The Firefly team will have 24 hours to update the trajectory and guidance software, encapsulate the payload, transport it to the pad, mate to Alpha, and stand ready to launch at the first available window. Once the payload is deployed in low Earth orbit, Millennium will attempt to fully initialize the space vehicle in less than 48 hours and then begin operations for its Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission.“What we’re doing with VICTUS NOX has never been done before, and I attribute our success to the dedication and teamwork of our collective team – Millennium, Firefly, and SSC’s Space Safari and Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) offices,” said Jason Kim, CEO of Millennium Space Systems. “You need to have the willingness to know that there will be changes – whether requirements or processes. That’s where the teamwork and close partnerships really came into play. It’s about what help is needed to address a challenge – on all sides – and everyone pitching in to support that.”In preparation for the mission, Firefly manufactured and acceptance tested each critical component, engine, and vehicle stage for its Alpha rocket in addition to conducting a static fire to verify all systems operate within flight parameters. Firefly and Millennium also completed multiple rehearsals in preparation for launch, which included packing and delivering a satellite mockup to Firefly’s integration facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base to practice all launch operations within the prescribed 24 hours.“The U.S.’s ability to rapidly respond to on-orbit needs is critical to our national defense, particularly in today’s evolving space environment,” said Lt. Col. MacKenzie Birchenough, Materiel Leader for Space Safari. “The accelerated build time the team demonstrated for VICTUS NOX, combined with the demanding launch and on-orbit goals, exemplifies our strong commitment to preserving our nation’s dominance and ability to freely operate in the space domain.”
Alpha launch provider, Firefly, and payload provider, Millennium, moved into the hot standby phase and wait for the VICTUS NOX callup
Please explain in the area below why an STA is necessary:This STA is necessary to authorize launch vehicle communications for Firefly FLTA003 from Vandenberg Space Force Base SLC-2W. FLTA003 supports a DoD TacRS mission, meaning the launch and flight requirements will not be provided to Firefly until closer to launch dates. Firefly operations include a suborbital first stage and an orbital second stage. All downrange Earth stations are receive-only.
Requested Period of OperationOperation Start Date: 09/29/2023Operation End Date: 03/25/2024
!CARF 09/239 ZLA AIRSPACE DCC FLETCHER 23-1 AREA A STNR ALT RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 334800N1221500W TO 345300N1204500W TO 345300N1203200W TO 345500N1202700W TO 345600N1202100W TO 345400N1201500W TO 345000N1201500W TO 344200N1201800W TO 342200N1204500W TO 331000N1214700W TO 295100N1235100W TO 270000N1250900W TO 270000N1255700W TO 313100N1233600W TO POINT OF ORIGIN, SFC-UNL 2309150227-2309150314
140310Z SEP 23NAVAREA XII 631/23(17,18,19).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 150157Z TO 150319Z SEP, ALTERNATE 160157Z TO 160319Z SEP IN AREA BOUND BY 25-50.00N 126-00.00W, 26-00.00N 126-35.00W, 25-28.00N 126-51.00W, 24-59.00N 125-50.00W, 25-31.00N 125-33.00W. B. 150406Z TO 150413Z SEP, ALTERNATE 160406Z TO 160413Z SEP IN AREA BOUND BY 46-21.00N 143-08.00W, 28-18.00N 147-24.00W, 27-54.00N 146-22.00W, 46-06.00N 141-21.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 160513Z SEP 23.//
141526Z SEP 23NAVAREA XII 634/23(17,18,19).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 150157Z TO 150319Z SEP, ALTERNATE 160157Z TO 160319Z SEP IN AREAS BOUND BY: 25-50.00N 126-00.00W, 26-00.00N 126-35.00W, 25-28.00N 126-51.00W, 24-59.00N 125-50.00W, 25-31.00N 125-33.00W. B. 150406Z TO 150440Z SEP, ALTERNATE 160406Z TO 160440Z SEP IN AREA BOUND BY 46-06.00N 141-21.00W, 46-21.00N 143-08.00W, 28-18.00N 147-24.00W, 27-54.00N 146-22.00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 631/23.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 160440Z SEP 23.
A rough estimate of launch heading is 209-210 deg, indicating an orbit inclination of 119-120 deg, roughly in family with Firefly's 1st and 2nd launches.
141808Z SEP 23NAVAREA XII 635/23(17,18,19).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 150157Z TO 150318Z SEP, ALTERNATE 160157Z TO 160318Z SEP IN AREAS BOUND BY: 25-50.00N 126-00.00W, 26-00.00N 126-35.00W, 25-28.00N 126-51.00W, 24-59.00N 125-50.00W, 25-31.00N 125-33.00W. B. 150406Z TO 150416Z SEP, ALTERNATE 160406Z TO 160416Z SEP IN AREA BOUND BY 46-06.00N 141-21.00W, 46-21.00N 143-08.00W, 28-18.00N 147-24.00W, 27-54.00N 146-22.00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 634/23.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 160516Z SEP 23.
Texas-based small launch company Firefly Aerospace is preparing to jumpstart its 2023 campaign with the launch of FLTA003 — the third flight of its Alpha launch vehicle — as part of a dedicated mission for the U.S. Space Force (USSF). Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 2 West (SLC-2W) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California is currently scheduled to occur no earlier than Thursday, Sept. 14 at 6:57 PM PDT (01:57 UTC on Friday, Sept. 15).The mission — colloquially known as VICTUS NOX, which translates to “conquer the night” in Latin — will serve as a demonstration of the United States’ capability to quickly place a satellite in orbit in response to a national security threat, if the need ever arises. Firefly was awarded the mission in October 2022 under the Orbital Services Program 4 contract.
Firefly doesn't have a "Live Videos" tab set up on YouTube. It may be broadcast on "X". In my opinion, we will either see a full launch video or a summary/highlight video post-launch.
Quote from: catdlr on 09/14/2023 11:08 pmFirefly doesn't have a "Live Videos" tab set up on YouTube. It may be broadcast on "X". In my opinion, we will either see a full launch video or a summary/highlight video post-launch.In the past, Everyday Astronaut (Tim Dodd) has done the official Firefly livestreams (like NSF with Astra). There's nothing showing on his channel, though.
They did it! @Firefly_Space did it! They had only 24 hours to launch their Alpha rocket to demonstrate rapid response capabilities! Really an impressive feat for only their third launch ever!!!
Looks like Firefly’s Alpha rocket launched the Space Force’s VICTUS NOX mission last night:
Our @FOX10Phoenix tower camera captured the #USSpaceForce launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. #VictusNox #Firefly #Phoenix #Launch 🚀
Firefly's Alpha rocket is set to launch for the first time in 2023, carrying the VICTUS NOX rapid response mission to low-Earth orbit. Launch is currently scheduled for 01:57 UTC.Learn all about the mission, by Tyler Gray (@TylerG1998)
#FireFly #Alpha Launches VICTUS NOX, which translates to “conquer the night” in Latin — will serve as a demonstration of the United States’ capability to quickly place a satellite in orbit in response to a national security threat. #vsfb @Firefly_Space
#FireFly #Alpha Launches VICTUS NOX, which translates to “conquer the night” in Latin — will serve as a demonstration of the United States’ capability to quickly place a satellite in orbit in response to a national security threat. #vsfb@Firefly_Space
Nothing like seeing a @Firefly_Space launch from 40,000 feet.
As we wait for confirmation on Firefly's VICTUS NOX mission, here's a satellite image showing Alpha laying horizontal at the pad on August 18th.
We did it y’all! Today was an incredible success for the Space Force, the Firefly team, and our nation after nailing the #VICTUSNOX responsive space mission. We launched our #AlphaRocket and deployed the satellite at the target destination following a 24-hour notice.Congratulations to the entire team! And thank you to our mission partners at @SpaceForceDoD, @USSF_SSC, @SLDelta30, and Millennium Space Systems for your continued support. #PartnersinSpaceLearn more here: https://fireflyspace.com/news/firefly-aerospace-successfully-launches-victus-nox-with-24-hour-notice/
Space Systems Command successfully launches VICTUS NOX for U.S Space Force: Sets new Tactically Responsive Space recordSPACE SYSTEMS COMMANDOffice of Public Affairs (SSC/PA) 483 N. Aviation Blvd.El Segundo, Calif. 90245-2808Date: Sept. 14, 2023Contact: Media Relations Division Telephone: (310) 653-3145 [email protected]SUMMARY: With the successful encapsulation and launch of VICTUS NOX, Space Systems Command achieves its goal of reaching launch-ready status within 24 hours of notice.EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – In a major advancement of Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) capabilities, Space Systems Command (SSC) and Firefly Aerospace successfully encapsulated a Millennium Space Systems-built space vehicle, mated it to Firefly’s Alpha launch vehicle, and completed all final launch preparations in 24 hours.The mission, known as VICTUS NOX, successfully lifted off Sept. 14 at 7:28 p.m. PDT from Space Launch Complex 2 West (SLC-2W) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Liftoff took place at the first available launch window, 27 hours after receipt of launch orders, setting a new record for responsive space launch.“The success of VICTUX NOX marks a culture shift in our nation’s ability to deter adversary aggression and, when required, respond with the operational speed necessary to deliver decisive capabilities to our warfighters,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein, commander of Space Systems Command. “This exercise is part of an end-to-end Tactically Responsive Space demonstration which proves the United States Space Force can rapidly integrate capabilities and will respond to aggression when called to do so on tactically relevant timelines.”Led by SSC’s Space Safari Program Office and in partnership with SSC’s Rocket Systems Launch Program, VICTUS NOX aims to reduce timelines throughout every aspect of a space mission, from acquisition through on-orbit operations.Less than a year after awarding contracts to Millenium Space Systems and Firefly Aerospace, the teams entered a “hot standby” phase, awaiting notification from Space Force leadership to proceed. Upon activation, the space vehicle was transported 165 miles from Millenium’s El Segundo facility to Vandenberg Space Force Base where it was tested, fueled, and mated to the launch adapter in just under 58 hours, significantly faster than the typical timeline of weeks or months. With the launch time, date and final orbital parameters unknown, the team then stood on alert, awaiting the call to launch.Now on orbit, the next objective is to initialize the space vehicle and begin operations in under 48 hours.“We are thrilled with tonight’s successful launch. This mission highlights significant progress towards meeting emerging challenges in space,” said Lt. Col. MacKenzie Birchenough, Space Safari materiel leader. “While space has been viewed as a strategic theater for a long time, the advancement of TacRS capabilities represents a paradigm shift for the National Security Space enterprise. We are incredibly proud of the entire VICTUS NOX team for this huge accomplishment.”The previous responsive space launch record was 21 days, set on June 13, 2021, with SSC’s launch of TacRL-2. VICTUS NOX and TacRL-2 are the first two operational demonstrations led by SSC’s Space Safari Program Office, which is responsible for responding to urgent on-orbit needs, to include acquiring, integrating, and executing TacRS capabilities.Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient war fighting capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in and from space. SSC manages a $15 billion space acquisition budget for the DoD and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.
6/xAn object has now been catalogued as nr 57861 in a 97.32 deg inclined, 476 x 531 km sun-synchronous orbit.
CelesTrak has GP data for 1 object from the launch (2023-142) of Victus Nox atop an Alpha rocket from Vandenberg SFB on Sep 15 at 0228 UTC: https://spacenews.com/firefly-launches-space-force-victus-nox-mission/. Data for the launch can be found at: https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/table.php?INTDES=2023-142.
As images of Firefly’s Alpha rocket soaring through the night sky were captured across the southwest United States, a team of passionate Fireflies flawlessly executed a mission that has never been done before — launching after a 24-hour notice.Here’s how the U.S. Space Force’s #VICTUSNOX team partnered with Firefly and Millennium to make it happen @SpaceForceDoD @SLDelta30 #SpaceMicDrop
Proud to see our Alpha rocket light up the night sky in our home state of Texas. This stunning photo of the #VICTUSNOX mission was captured near the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas on September 14.
The U.S. Space Force’s VICTUS NOX on-orbit mission has successfully concluded. From the time the mission was conceived, the VICTUS NOX team seamlessly executed each phase of the effort.
