Any new news?
FireFly performed a static test fire of their Alpha booster this afternoon. @NASASpaceflight
Firefly tested its Alpha first stage booster for their upcoming FLTA003 mission. The burn lasted 42 seconds and was successful.Video from Adam Cuker (@AdamCuker).📺
Our team completed engine and stage testing on another Alpha rocket, and we are GO for launch integration. Firefly’s in-house, “test what we fly” approach further ensures mission success.
Per https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/06/firefly-launching-space-force-high-speed-victus-nox-mission.html this launch is scheduled 2 months after the VICTUS NOX launch, i.e. NET July 2023.
NextSpaceflight, updated May 24:QuoteVICTUS NOX (TacRS-3)Launch TimeNET June 2023
VICTUS NOX (TacRS-3)Launch TimeNET June 2023
This STA is necessary to authorize launch vehicle communications for Firefly’s VCLS-2 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base SLC-2. This includes a suborbital first stage and an orbital second stage. All downrange Earth stations are receive-only. This STA replaces 1914-EX-ST-2022, an extension of 0906-EX-ST-2022, which covers operations through 01JUL2023. This new STA accounts for delays in planned launch which was intended to occur prior to July 2023, which now is planned for August 2023.
Plug in your headphones because all four of our Reaver engines have been acceptance tested for Alpha FLTA004 with @NASA Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to launch. https://fireflyspace.com/missions/nasa-elana-43/
Per https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/06/firefly-launching-space-force-high-speed-victus-nox-mission.html this launch is scheduled 2 months after the VICTUS NOX launch [May 2023], i.e. NET July 2023.
QuoteThe company is under contract to launch a Space Force mission called “Victus Nox” sometime this summer . . .https://spacenews.com/firefly-to-launch-lockheed-martin-small-satellite-experiment/ [Jun 29]
The company is under contract to launch a Space Force mission called “Victus Nox” sometime this summer . . .
NextSpaceflight, updated July 20:QuoteVCLS Demo-2FB (ELaNa 43)Launch TimeNET November 2023
VCLS Demo-2FB (ELaNa 43)Launch TimeNET November 2023
https://twitter.com/mirandahw_/status/1666424606943576065
This STA is necessary to authorize launch vehicle communications for Firefly’s VCLS-2 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base SLC-2. This includes a suborbital first stage and an orbital second stage. All downrange Earth stations are receive-only. This STA replaces 1109-EX-ST-2023 which covers operations through 01JAN2024. This new STA accounts for delays in planned launch which was intended to occur prior to July 2023, which now is planned for March 2024.
Scheduled:Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)2024NET November 2023 March - VCLS (VADR) Demo-2FB/ELaNa 43: CatSat, KUbe-Sat-1, MESAT1, R5-S4, R5-S2-2.0, REAL, Serenity (3), SOC-i, TechEdSat-11 (TES-11) - Firefly Alpha (FLTA004) - Vandenberg SLC-2W (or NLT July)NET March - OTB 2 (Orbital Test Bed-2) - Firefly Alpha - Vandenberg SLC-2WNET March - EOS SAR 1 - Firefly Alpha - Vandenberg SLC-2WNET October 2023 Q1 - Tantrum - Firefly Alpha - Vandenberg SLC-2WQ1 - iSIM-SAT - Firefly Alpha - Vandenberg SLC-2W / Canaveral SLC-20Q2 - TBD - Firefly Beta - Canaveral SLC-20NET January Q2 - SUV demo mission, FANTM Ride - Firefly Alpha (FLTA005?) - Vandenberg SLC-2WNET December 2023 Q2 - Spaceflight Inc. multi satellite launch - Firefly Alpha - Vandenberg SLC-2WQ4 - TBD - Firefly Beta - Vandenberg SLC-2ETBD - Firefly Alpha - Lockheed Martin mission - Firefly Alpha - TBDTBD - TBD - Firefly Alpha - Canaveral SLC-20TBD - TBD - Firefly Alpha - Canaveral SLC-20Changes on October 13th
Taking a visit to @Firefly_Space manufacturing facilities in Texas today. One of our first stops is vehicle integration. This vehicle is preparing to support the NASA ELaNa 43 mission.Firefly plans to launch 4 times this year and then 6-8 times in 2025.
Congratulations to the CatSat team for a successful satellite integration at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Next step: orbit!May 6, 2024At dawn on April 24, 2024, a student-led team from the University of Arizona climbed into a vehicle headed 660 miles across state lines to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. In their possession: a hand-built satellite the size of a cereal box. CatSat, a type of nanosatellite know as a CubeSat, is the first student-led satellite mission at UArizona. On Tuesday, the team integrated their satellite into the Firefly Alpha rocket that will launch it into orbit sometime in June.[...]
License granted: Firefly Aerospace, Inc.Dates: 07/01/2024-01/01/2025Purpose: Launch vehicle communication for Firefly Alpha mission VCLS-2.https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/reports/STA_Print.cfm?mode=current??application_seq=134399
Get your sunglasses on for our FLTA005 "Noise of Summer" mission patch!Alpha is on the pad at @SLDelta30 and all 8 payloads are integrated in our processing facility. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming @NASA VCLS Demo 2 mission, supporting the CubeSat Launch Initiative for students and educators across the country.https://fireflyspace.com/missions/noise-of-summer/ #NoiseOfSummer
Quote from: Firefly Aerospace tweetGet your sunglasses on for our FLTA005 "Noise of Summer" mission patch!Alpha is on the pad at @SLDelta30 and all 8 payloads are integrated in our processing facility. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming @NASA VCLS Demo 2 mission, supporting the CubeSat Launch Initiative for students and educators across the country.https://fireflyspace.com/missions/noise-of-summer/ #NoiseOfSummer[Jun 12]
Get your sunglasses on for our FLTA005 "Noise of Summer" mission patch!Alpha is on the pad at @SLDelta30 and all 8 payloads are integrated in our processing facility. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming @NASA VCLS Demo 2 mission, supporting the CubeSat Launch Initiative for students and educators across the country.https://fireflyspace.com/missions/noise-of-summer/ #NoiseOfSummer[Jun 12]
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Eight payloads, but nine satellites on the ELaNa list?
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 06/18/2024 05:42 amEight payloads, but nine satellites on the ELaNa list?The list is from April and thus a bit out of date. Compared to the NASA ELaNa manifest below (updated on 17 June) it looks like OwlSat has been bumped.https://www.nasa.gov/upcoming-elana-cubesat-launches/
ELaNa 43[Eight] Ten CubeSats to launch on a demonstration mission:CatSat (6U) – University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz.KUbeSat-1 (3U) – University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan.MESAT-1 (3U) – University of Maine, Orono, MaineR5-S2-2.0 (6U) – NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston, TexasR5-S4 (6U) – NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston, TexasSerenity (3U) – Teachers in Space, Nanuet, N.Y.SOC-I (2U) – University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.TechEdSat-11 (6U) – NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif.
This most recently removed payload is REAL.OwlSat was bumped in 2022.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 06/18/2024 09:27 amThis most recently removed payload is REAL.OwlSat was bumped in 2022.Reference?
Revision of ELaNa 43 payloads aboard Alpha 3rd flight, published December 1:Quote from: Salo on 12/04/2022 09:28 pmhttps://www.nasa.gov/content/upcoming-elana-cubesat-launchesQuoteELaNa 43Nine CubeSat missions scheduled to be deployed CatSat - University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. KUbe-Sat-1 - University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan. MESAT1 - University of Maine, Orono, Maine R5-S4 - NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas R5-S2-2.0 - NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas REAL - Dartmouth University, Hanover, N.H. SOC-i - University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. TechEdSat-11 - NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, Calif. Serenity - Teachers in Space, North America
https://www.nasa.gov/content/upcoming-elana-cubesat-launchesQuoteELaNa 43Nine CubeSat missions scheduled to be deployed CatSat - University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. KUbe-Sat-1 - University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan. MESAT1 - University of Maine, Orono, Maine R5-S4 - NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas R5-S2-2.0 - NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas REAL - Dartmouth University, Hanover, N.H. SOC-i - University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. TechEdSat-11 - NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, Calif. Serenity - Teachers in Space, North America
ELaNa 43Nine CubeSat missions scheduled to be deployed CatSat - University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. KUbe-Sat-1 - University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan. MESAT1 - University of Maine, Orono, Maine R5-S4 - NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas R5-S2-2.0 - NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas REAL - Dartmouth University, Hanover, N.H. SOC-i - University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. TechEdSat-11 - NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, Calif. Serenity - Teachers in Space, North America
Found it.
NASA’s ELaNa 43 Prepares for Firefly Aerospace LaunchJUN 21, 2024NASA is readying for the launch of several small satellites to space, built with the help of students, educators, and researchers from across the country, as part of the agency’s CubeSat Launch Initiative.The ELaNa 43 (Educational Launch of Nanosatellites 43) mission includes eight CubeSats flying on Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket for its “Noise of Summer” launch from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The 30-minute launch window will open at 9 p.m. PDT Wednesday, June 26 (12 a.m. EDT Thursday, June 27).[...]
Firefly will host the Alpha FLTA005 Noise of Summer livestream in collaboration with NASASpaceflight. The livestream will begin at T-30 minutes to liftoff.
"Firefly será el anfitrión de la transmisión en vivo Alpha FLTA005 Noise of Summer en colaboración con NASASpaceflight. La transmisión en vivo comenzará a las T-30 minutos antes del despegue" https://fireflyspace.com/missions/noise-of-summer/
PDF of online press kit.
Has there been any mention of the orbital parameters?
210933Z JUN 24NAVAREA XII 450/24(GEN).EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN. ALASKA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS: A. 260810Z TO 260912Z JUN IN AREA BOUND BY 21-16.00N 122-22.00W, 18-25.00N 118-33.00W, 05-04.00S 136-09.00W, 02-22.00S 139-54.00W B. 271530Z TO 271645Z JUN IN AREA BOUND BY 49-12.00N 132-49.00W, 47-00.00N 134-15.00W, 50-41.00N 170-48.00W, 52-03.00N 170-59.00W, 53-10.00N 166-40.00W2. CANCEL THIS MSG 271745Z JUN 24.//202327Z JUN 24NAVAREA XII 454/24(83).EASTERN PACIFIC.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS 260810Z TO 260911Z JUN IN AREA BOUND BY 03-30.00N 134-45.00W, 03-30.00N 129-50.00W, 05-03.00S 136-10.00W, 02-47.00S 139-19.00W2. CANCEL THIS MSG 261011Z JUN 24.
220124Z JUN 24NAVAREA XII 456/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 270333Z TO 270517Z JUN, ALTERNATE 280333Z TO 280517Z JUN IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W. B. 270333Z TO 270520Z JUN, ALTERNATE 280333Z TO 280520Z JUN IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 280620Z JUN 24.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 06/22/2024 03:07 pmHas there been any mention of the orbital parameters?How about this?Quote from: NGA210933Z JUN 24NAVAREA XII 450/24(GEN).EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN. ALASKA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS: A. 260810Z TO 260912Z JUN IN AREA BOUND BY 21-16.00N 122-22.00W, 18-25.00N 118-33.00W, 05-04.00S 136-09.00W, 02-22.00S 139-54.00W B. 271530Z TO 271645Z JUN IN AREA BOUND BY 49-12.00N 132-49.00W, 47-00.00N 134-15.00W, 50-41.00N 170-48.00W, 52-03.00N 170-59.00W, 53-10.00N 166-40.00W2. CANCEL THIS MSG 271745Z JUN 24.//202327Z JUN 24NAVAREA XII 454/24(83).EASTERN PACIFIC.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS 260810Z TO 260911Z JUN IN AREA BOUND BY 03-30.00N 134-45.00W, 03-30.00N 129-50.00W, 05-03.00S 136-10.00W, 02-47.00S 139-19.00W2. CANCEL THIS MSG 261011Z JUN 24.The timing is off: the two earliest windows here indicate an orbital pass (equatorial Pacific) at 6/26 0801Z whereas Firefly has announced a launch window of 6/27 0400Z - 0430Z. Perhaps these zones were submitted before Firefly settled on 6/26 at 9 pm PDT.All three zones appear consistent with roughly 128 deg inclination, and that seems in-family with previous Firefly launches. But I don't know whether there's one orbit that links all three zones and the hypothetical launch track (dashed line, fiddled to look OK). Comments?
The Firefly team is gearing up for another responsive space demonstration for Alpha #FLTA005 #NoiseofSummer, launching NET June 26. Many of our final launch operations kick off less than 24 hours of the scheduled liftoff. We’ll share a recap of the operations during our livestream with @NASASpaceflight. More on the mission here: https://fireflyspace.com/missions/noise-of-summer/.
Press kit seems to suggest a single second stage burn to orbit, but payload deployment after 44 minutes. - Ed Kyle
Interestingly https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/adv_spt.jsp is showing the launch to have slipped all the way to July 2nd UTC/July 1st PDT, but I don't see anything on Firefly Space's mission page or NASA's Small Satellites Mission Blog.FIREFLY FLT005 VCLS-2, VANDENBERG SFB, CAPRIMARY: 07/02/24 0403Z-0521ZBACKUP: 07/03/24 0403Z-0521Z
252250Z JUN 24NAVAREA XII 461/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.CANCEL NAVAREA XII 456/24,OPERATIONS POSTPONED.
As we enter the launch window for Alpha #FLTA005, we've determined the optimal days for liftoff are between June 30 and July 1. Stay tuned for more details. Our Alpha rocket, @nasa payloads, and launch crew stand ready to bring the #NoiseofSummer.
FIREFLY FLT005 VCLS-2, VANDENBERG SFB, CAPRIMARY: 07/01/24 0403Z-0521ZBACKUP: 07/02/24 0403Z-0521Z
271911Z JUN 24NAVAREA XII 469/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 0333Z TO 0518Z DAILY 01 AND 02 JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W. B. 0333Z TO 0521Z DAILY 01 AND 02 JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 020621Z JUL 24.
271911Z JUN 24HYDROPAC 2237/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.DNC 13.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 0333Z TO 0518Z DAILY 01 AND 02 JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W. B. 0333Z TO 0521Z DAILY 01 AND 02 JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 020621Z JUL 24.
Satellite imagery shows @Firefly_Space's Alpha rocket on the launch pad at Vandenberg a few days ago ahead of the Noise of Summer mission in the coming days.As well as an update on the status of Space Launch Complex 6 soon to be taken over by SpaceX.
Both images are available on @Soar_Earth so you can compare changes to old imagery 🛰️SLC-2W: https://soar.earth/maps/23249SLC-6: https://soar.earth/maps/23250
281558Z JUN 24NAVAREA XII 473/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS DAILY 01 AND 02 JUL, ALTERNATE 03 JUL: A. 0333Z TO 0518Z IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W, 35-09.00N 120-53.00W. B. 0333Z TO 0521Z IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 469/24.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 030621Z JUL 24.
281558Z JUN 24HYDROPAC 2246/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.DNC 13.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS DAILY 01 AND 02 JUL, ALTERNATE 03 JUL: A. 0333Z TO 0518Z IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W, 35-09.00N 120-53.00W. B. 0333Z TO 0521Z IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL HYDROPAC 2237/24.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 030621Z JUL 24.
Mark your calendars for Alpha #FLTA005, officially scheduled to launch July 1 at 9:03 pm PDT. If you’re on the West Coast, this night launch may light up your sky, so be sure to tag Firefly with your best shots and use #NoiseofSummer.
292235Z JUN 24NAVAREA XII 480/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 020333Z TO 020518Z JUL, ALTERNATE 030333Z TO 030518Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W. B. 020333Z TO 020521Z JUL, ALTERNATE 030333Z TO 030521Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 473/24.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 030621Z JUL 24.
292235Z JUN 24HYDROPAC 2258/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.DNC 13.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 020333Z TO 020518Z JUL, ALTERNATE 030333Z TO 030518Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W. B. 020333Z TO 020521Z JUL, ALTERNATE 030333Z TO 030521Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL HYDROPAC 2246/24.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 030621Z JUL 24.
Ready to make some noise? It’s L-1 for Alpha #FLTA005 #NoiseofSummer, a mission for @NASA VCLS. The weather is GO for launch from @SLDelta30 at 9:03 pm PDT tomorrow. Livestream co-hosted with @NASAspaceflight will begin at T-30 minutes to liftoff. Sign up here:
Two cancel-and-replace NGA Hazardous Operations notices (the same notice for two different Navigational Areas) that are effectively Rocket Launching notices, for the postponement from July 1 UTC to July 2 UTC.Quote from: NGA292235Z JUN 24NAVAREA XII 480/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 020333Z TO 020518Z JUL, ALTERNATE 030333Z TO 030518Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W. B. 020333Z TO 020521Z JUL, ALTERNATE 030333Z TO 030521Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 473/24.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 030621Z JUL 24.Quote from: NGA292235Z JUN 24HYDROPAC 2258/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.DNC 13.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 020333Z TO 020518Z JUL, ALTERNATE 030333Z TO 030518Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W. B. 020333Z TO 020521Z JUL, ALTERNATE 030333Z TO 030521Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL HYDROPAC 2246/24.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 030621Z JUL 24.
The Firefly crew is moving fast for Alpha #FLTA005 #NoiseofSummer! Conducted as another rapid launch operation, we successfully transported the payload fairing to the pad and mated it to our rocket within just 14 hours of the scheduled liftoff on track for 9:03 pm PDT. Get more details on the mission for @NASA VCLS here: https://fireflyspace.com/missions/noise-of-summer/
Happy launch day y'all! Alpha #FLTA005 now stands ready to fly 8 @NASA CubeSats. Weather is green and the team is on track for liftoff from @SLDelta30 at 9:03 pm PDT. Livestream with @Nasaspaceflight will begin at T-30 minutes to launch. Get notified here: youtube.com/watch?v=F6nYZE…
NSF webcast (video id 28SCSyMUKMw), should be identical to the Firefly webcast given above.https://youtube.com/watch?v=28SCSyMUKMw
Now holding a poll for a recycle.
Firefly Aerospace@Firefly_SpaceAlpha #FLTA005 update: Our launch today was scrubbed due to a ground support issue. The team has identified the solution and is working quickly to meet our next launch window on July 2nd that opens at 9:03 PM PDT. More details to follow.
Tyler Gray@TylerG1998GSE once again to blame. #Firefly targeting another launch attempt tomorrow evening, same time.Scrubs >>> RUDs. #NoiseOfSummer
Great job with the NSF coverage. Very Professional.QuoteTyler Gray@TylerG1998GSE once again to blame. #Firefly targeting another launch attempt tomorrow evening, same time.Scrubs >>> RUDs. #NoiseOfSummerScrubs are always better than RUDs --- Great line
Wonder if spacecraft sep would have been over Kwajalein or somesuch.
Alpha #FLTA005 update: Our launch today was scrubbed due to a ground support issue. The team has identified the solution and is working quickly to meet our next launch window on July 2nd that opens at 9:03 PM PDT. More details to follow.https://fireflyspace.com/missions/noise
@Firefly_Space's Alpha FLTA005 is scheduled for liftoff tonight at 9:03 pm PDT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California! #NoiseOfSummer
We're on track for another Alpha #FLTA005 launch attempt tonight with a window opening at 9:03 pm PDT. Alpha & all 8 @NASA payloads remain healthy after last night's scrub due to a faulty ground support equipment connection that has been fixed. Livestream begins @ T-30 minutes. #NoiseofSummer
We have an exciting launch day ahead! The team is currently on track preparing for tonight’s launch of Alpha #FLTA005, carrying 8 @NASA CubeSats. Weather conditions are favorable, and we are on schedule for a liftoff from @SLDelta30 at 9:03 pm PDT. Tune in to the livestream with @NASAspaceflight starting at T-30 minutes to launch. #NoiseOfSummerGet notified here: youtube.com/watch?v=D7pzJ1…
Firefly has decided to stand down on today’s Alpha #FLTA005 launch to give the team more time to evaluate data and test systems from the first attempt. We will work closely with the range and our @NASA customer to determine the next launch window. Stay tuned for more. https://fireflyspace.com/missions/noise-of-summer/
030301Z JUL 24NAVAREA XII 489/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 040333Z TO 040518Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W. B. 040333Z TO 040521Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 480/24.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 040621Z JUL 24.//
030301Z JUL 24HYDROPAC 2294/24(18).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.CALIFORNIA.DNC 13.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 040333Z TO 040518Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 35-09.00N 120-53.00W, 35-04.00N 120-18.00W, 34-24.00N 119-47.00W, 31-07.00N 121-24.00W, 31-12.00N 121-45.00W. B. 040333Z TO 040521Z JUL IN AREA BOUND BY 26-01.00N 122-55.00W, 26-00.00N 122-50.00W, 25-22.00N 122-30.00W, 24-44.00N 122-38.00W, 24-16.00N 123-14.00W, 24-16.00N 123-19.00W, 24-59.00N 123-48.00W, 25-37.00N 123-37.00W.2. CANCEL HYDROPAC 2258/24.3. CANCEL THIS MSG 040621Z JUL 24.//
Not too shabby! #Firefly #Vandenberg
Well, this was a nice sight on a summer night! @Firefly_Space launch heading south from Vandenberg AFB.
Firefly Aerospace Alpha “Noise of Summer” rocket launch as seen outside Griffith Observatory 🚀
That's a wrap for tonight's coverage of Alpha #FLTA005 #NoiseOfSummer. After expected deployment, @NASA's CubeSat teams are now awaiting acquisition of signal....AND the Firefly team successfully completed a second stage relight and nominal plane change following deployment. Congratulations to the entire mission team!Photo Credit: Firefly Aerospace/ Sean Parker
@Firefly_Space nice night for a launch!
https://twitter.com/firefly_space/status/1808750140947124327QuoteAND the Firefly team successfully completed a second stage relight and nominal plane change following deployment. Congratulations to the entire mission team!
AND the Firefly team successfully completed a second stage relight and nominal plane change following deployment. Congratulations to the entire mission team!
From Glendale Arizonahttps://twitter.com/rebilasphoto/status/1808720555807285688
We were honored to provide a rocket light show to kick off the Fourth of July - Happy Independence Day from our Firefly family to yours. #NoiseOfSummerPhoto Credit: Shawn McCormick I Phoenix, Arizona
8 of 9 expected objects from the Firefly launch cataloged by SpaceTrack in a 490 x 525 km x 97.3 deg sun-synchronous orbit with 19:45 local time orbit plane
Firefly's Alpha rocket engines roar to life! Ignition illuminated the surrounding fog on SLC-2 and continued through a stunning California sunset carrying a NASA CubeSat payload. Congratulations to the @Firefly_Space team on this Independence Day!
Firefly Aerospace Successfully Launches Alpha FLTA005 Noise of Summer Mission for NASAFirefly team completed orbital insertion, payload deployment, second stage relight, and orbital plane changeVANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif., – July 4, 2024 – Firefly Aerospace, an end-to-end space transportation company, today announced it successfully launched its Alpha Flight 5 (FLTA005) rocket and completed the payload deployment sequence as part of the company’s Venture-Class Launch Services Demonstration 2 (VCLS Demo 2) contract with NASA.The mission, called Noise of Summer, lifted off from Firefly’s SLC-2 launch site at the Vandenberg Space Force Base at 9:04 p.m. PDT on July 3, 2024. Following payload deployment, Firefly successfully performed a second stage relight and plane change maneuver to further test and validate Alpha’s on-orbit capabilities.“The Firefly team knocked it out of the park,” said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “As a NASA vendor for both launch and lunar services, we look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting the agency’s larger space exploration goals from Earth to the Moon and beyond.”As a NASA VCLS Demo 2 task order, the successful mission further validates Alpha’s capabilities to provide small satellite launches for NASA on a recurring basis. The mission’s CubeSats were selected through NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) that provides U.S. educational institutions and nonprofits with low-cost access to space.“The launch of Firefly Aerospace’s demonstration mission marks one more way NASA is innovating for the benefit of humanity,” said Hamilton Fernandez, mission manager for NASA’s Launch Services Program. “NASA is using CubeSat missions to demonstrate the capability of small rockets and build relationships with this new part of the U.S. launch vehicle industry.”At the time of this release, ongoing activities are underway by NASA and the CubeSat teams as they work to acquire signals for all satellites. Additional updates will be posted to the mission webpage.Looking ahead, Firefly is in the final testing phase for its next Alpha launch, FLTA006, in support of a dedicated commercial mission for Lockheed Martin. The Firefly team is concurrently ramping up for a responsive on-orbit Elytra mission that will launch on Alpha FLTA007 later this year while also working to complete the final readiness milestones for its first Blue Ghost mission to the Moon launching in Q4 2024.
completed the payload deployment sequence
Quote from: gongora on 07/04/2024 07:01 pm8 of 9 expected objects from the Firefly launch cataloged by SpaceTrack in a 490 x 525 km x 97.3 deg sun-synchronous orbit with 19:45 local time orbit planeFrom the attached picture we see seven objects in a 490x520 km orbit and one object in a 450x520 km orbit. Presumably, the former are seven cubesats and the latter is the second stage after the plane change. The cubesat that is missing could be CatSat, which was not confirmed as having been released during the webcast.
Congrats to @Firefly_Space on their 5th successful launch "Noise of Summer"! Voyager's Exploration team proudly led the satellite integration for all 8 cubesats on board, supporting @NASA's mission. Excited for the data these incredible payloads will bring!Read more:
5 Jul, 2024ExplorationVoyager & Satellite Rideshare: Noise of SummerCongratulations to our friends at Firefly Aerospace for the company’s fifth launch (dubbed “Noise of Summer”)! Voyager’s Exploration team proudly led the satellite integration for all eight cubesats on board on behalf of the mission’s primary customer, NASA. Firefly’s Alpha vehicle lifted off at 9:04 p.m. PDT on July 3, 2024 and all eight satellites were successfully deployed.The “Noise of Summer” payloads were sponsored by the NASA Cubesat Launch Initiative (CSLI) Launch Services Program (LSP), a team that Voyager proudly works closely with to support the launch and deployment of university satellites from the International Space Station, and now on rideshare missions. Customers on this mission included:CatSat (University of Arizona): CatSat is a technology demonstration of an inflatable antenna for high-speed communications.KUbeSat-1 (University of Kansas): The main payload on KUbeSat-1 is the Primary Cosmic Ray Detector which will use a new method to measure the energy and species of primary cosmic rays hitting the Earth.MESAT1 (University of Maine): The science payloads are climate focused and include ALBEDO, IMAGER, and HAB. These will identify urban heat islands, determine concentration of phytoplankton in water bodies, and help predict harmful algal blooms.R5-S4 and R5-S2.2.0 (NASA Johnson Space Center): R5-S4 and R5-S2 are the first in a line of R5 spacecrafts launched to orbit that will be tests of a new, lean process for building a spacecraft bus.Serenity (Teachers in Space): Serenity 3 offers low-cost opportunities to test educational experiments in space. It has a suite of data sensors and a camera that will send data back to Earth. Licensed as an amateur radio broadcaster, Serenity can communicate with radios on the ground.SOC-i (University of Washington): SOC-I is a tech demo mission of attitude control technology. One of the payloads is a guidance and control system called SOAR, or SOC-i’s Optimal Attitude Reorientation. The second payload, CMOS, is a camera that serves as an instrument to demonstrate SOC-i’s pointing abilities.TechEdSat-11 (TES-11) (NASA Ames Research Center): TES-11 contains several technology demonstrations, including advanced communications, radiation sensor suite, experimental solar panels, an exo-brake, and BrainStack-3Voyager has successfully integrated and supported the launch of over 350 satellites and we’re proud to be part of this momentous launch for Firefly. Our team provided end-to-end support for NASA and the educational customers on board – working closely with Firefly – ensuring they were ready for flight. This included everything from mission planning, safety reviews, fit checks, vibration tests, and eventually integration onto the launch vehicle itself.Congratulations again to Firefly and all of the customers on board as they begin collecting data. We can’t wait for the next mission.
Another liftoff image from @Firefly_Space’s fifth Alpha mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Eight CubeSats were chosen through @NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) which gives satellite developers low-cost access to research in space. #NoiseofSummer
I surely enjoyed watching this launch. I have two remaining questions however. During the launch broadcast it was announced that Alpha's stage 2 Lightning engine would relight to conduct a two-burn orbit insertion ahead of payload deployment [see first screenshot]. The Lightning engine never performed a second burn however, and the payloads were deployed in the orbit the initial stage 2 burn achieved. Why was the initial flight plan changed?My second question has to do with payload deployment. After the planned deployment of CatSat - which was not shown live because it was supposed to occur during loss of signal - we got video showing a black cube (with a white top featuring a round hole) loosely bungling over one of the already opened payload dispensers while seemingly still being attached to it [see second screenshot]. I immediately thought this black cube was a cubesat that failed to deploy, which seemed even more likely given that their never was confirmation of the deployment of CatSat. The commentators never clarified what this object was, and since none of the deployments was actually shown during the broadcast it was difficult to gauge what really happened. What you can see in my screenshot is that a a similar payload dispenser right next to it was also already opened, but did not have this strange cube above it. So was this object the CatSat, and if not, what was it?I hope someone has some answers. Thanks in advance.
That's a wrap for tonight's coverage of Alpha #FLTA005 #NoiseOfSummer. After expected deployment, @NASA's CubeSat teams are now awaiting acquisition of signal....AND the Firefly team successfully completed a second stage relight and nominal plane change following deployment. Congratulations to the entire mission team!Photo Credit: Firefly Aerospace/ @seanparkerphoto
