Firefly Aerospace secures deal with L3Harris for up to 20 Alpha launches

Written by Copernical Team Thursday, 08 August 2024 20:42

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 08, 2024

Firefly Aerospace, Inc., a comprehensive space transportation company, has announced a new multi-launch agreement with L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) for up to 20 launches utilizing Firefly's Alpha rocket. This agreement includes two to four missions per year from 2027 to 2031, contingent on customer requirements. This latest agreement supplements Firefly's existing contract with L3Harris for

Firefly Aerospace Secures Second Multi-Launch Agreement with L3Harris for Up to 20 Alpha Rocket Launches
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 08, 2024

Firefly Aerospace, Inc., a comprehensive space transportation company, has announced a new multi-launch agreement with L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) for up to 20 launches utilizing Firefly's Alpha rocket. This agreement includes two to four missions per year from 2027 to 2031, contingent on customer requirements. This latest agreement supplements Firefly's existing contract with L3Harris for three Alpha missions scheduled for 2026.

"The Firefly team is proud to build on our existing relationship with L3Harris and serve as a long-term launch provider for their robust satellite systems," said Peter Schumacher, Interim CEO at Firefly Aerospace. "Firefly continues to see growing demand for Alpha's responsive small-lift services, and we're committed to providing a dedicated launch option that takes our customers directly to their preferred orbits."

As part of the agreement, Firefly's Alpha rocket will be responsible for deploying L3Harris spacecraft into low-Earth orbit from Firefly's SLC-2 launch site at the Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Alpha rocket is designed to meet the responsive space requirements of both government and commercial clients, offering direct, on-demand deliveries for satellites weighing up to 1,030 kg.

In light of the recent Alpha launch for NASA, Firefly is expediting its vehicle production. The company has expanded its Briggs, Texas facility, now featuring a new automated fiber placement machine, enabling the team to manufacture and test Alpha's carbon composite structures within days rather than weeks.