New launch date due to high uppler-level winds twitter
Firefly Aerospace is an emerging player in the small satellite launch market. The Alpha rocket can deliver payloads of up to 1,030 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO, ~300 km) or 630 kg to Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO, ~500 km).
Like Rocket Lab's Electron, Alpha uses a fully carbon composite structure. It is larger, enabling greater payload capacity. Notably, its Reaver (Stage 1) and Lightning (Stage 2) engines employ a tap-off cycle—a design that has not previously achieved orbit.
For reference on engine operation:
Close-up Ignition of a Rocket Engine in Slow Mo - The Slow Mo Guys
Comparison Table
| Rocket | Height (m) | Diameter (m) | Payload to SSO (kg) | Estimated Cost per Launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefly Alpha | 29.5 | 2.2 | 630 | ~$15–19 million |
| Electron | 18 | 1.2 | 200–300 | ~$8 million |
(Note: Alpha dimensions and performance from official Firefly specs; costs are approximate industry figures.)
As a developing launch provider, Firefly has experienced setbacks, including partial successes and failures on earlier flights. Flights 3 and 5 achieved success.
Mission Overview
FLTA007, named "Stairway to Seven," is a return-to-flight mission following the FLTA006 anomaly in 2025. This is the final launch of the current Block 1 configuration.
The flight will test and validate key subsystems in preparation for the Block II upgrade on Flight 8. Block II enhancements include:
- ~ 2,1 m increase in vehicle length
- In-house consolidated batteries and avionics
- Improved thermal protection system
- Stronger carbon composite structures produced with automated processes
These Block II-related subsystems (e.g., in-house avionics and thermal upgrades) will fly in a test/shadow mode on FLTA007 to gather flight heritage and confirm prior lessons learned.
Payload: Test/demo (no commercial satellites; focused on vehicle validation)
Launch Site: SLC-2, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
Trajectory: Likely southwest for retrograde or polar orbit insertion
Source: fireflyspace.com
For the latest status, see:
- Official mission page: https://fireflyspace.com/missions/alpha-flta007
Livestream
Firefly Aerospace: Alpha FLTA07
More Content about Firefly
Firefly Aerospace: Firefly Alpha FLTA001
First launch attempt: Reaver Causes Destruction of FireFly – Scott Manley
Cost-Plus Content: Firefly Aerospace: How the Alpha Rocket Will Change the Small-Sat Market
Tim Dodd: Who will be the KING of the Small Sat Launchers?!
Scott Manley: Firefly Will Replace Russian Engines On Antares Rocket With Beta Booster
Tim Dodd: Up close and personal with Firefly's Alpha rocket!
Tim Dodd getting a tour of the facilities: Tour Firefly Aerospace's Factory and Test Site With Their CEO, Tom Markusic
24 Hour Rocket Launch Operations in 1 Minute!
Blue Ghost Mission 1 - Moon Fly By
Moon Landing - Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1
Scott Manley with further insights and commentary: Blue Ghost's Landing Video Reveals Exactly Where It Landed On The Moon
Ellie in Space visited the company in January 2023 to talk about the Moon Lander program: Firefly Aerospace Behind the Scenes Moon Lander Testing
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Next Spaceflight: Launch Schedule
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com