Insider Brief:
- Firefly Aerospace secured a $21.81 million contract to launch the VICTUS SOL mission for the U.S. Space Force, supporting rapid-response space capabilities.
- Firefly’s Alpha rocket will remain on standby until the Space Force issues a launch order, building on lessons from the VICTUS NOX and VICTUS HAZE missions.
- The company demonstrated its rapid-launch capability in September 2023 by executing the first-ever 24-hour responsive space launch for VICTUS NOX and will launch VICTUS HAZE later this year.
- Firefly’s vertically integrated operations and Alpha rocket’s performance enable flexible, cost-effective launch solutions, reinforcing its role in tactically responsive space.
- Image Credit: Firefly Aerospace, Inc.
PRESS RELEASE — In a recent release, Firefly Aerospace, Inc. announced it had been awarded a $21.81 million contract to launch the VICTUS SOL mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command. The mission, part of the Tactically Responsive Space initiative, is designed to provide rapid-response launch capabilities for national security operations.
The VICTUS SOL contract was awarded under the Orbital Services Program-4 Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract, managed by the Rocket Systems Launch Program within SSC’s Assured Access to Space Program Executive Office. The Space Safari Office, responsible for leading the U.S. Space Force’s TacRS initiatives, will oversee the mission.
VICTUS SOL builds on lessons from previous Firefly missions, VICTUS NOX and VICTUS HAZE, to refine rapid-response space launch capabilities. Under this contract, Firefly’s Alpha rocket will remain on standby, ready to launch at an unspecified time when directed by the Space Force.
“With VICTUS SOL, Firefly is humbled and proud to continue serving the Space Force on tactically responsive space with two follow-on missions after VICTUS NOX,” said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, in a company press release. “As our country’s deterrence and responsive space needs grow exponentially, Firefly has ramped up our Alpha production line to meet that demand and provide flexibility to support the Space Force’s urgent needs that keep us ahead of the game.”
According to the release, Firefly Aerospace is the only company to have successfully executed a 24-hour responsive space launch. In September 2023, the company launched VICTUS NOX, demonstrating its ability to meet short-notice deployment requirements. Later this year, Firefly will also launch the VICTUS HAZE mission in partnership with True Anomaly, further expanding its contributions to TacRS operations.
Firefly’s vertically integrated operations, which combine co-located manufacturing, testing, and launch capabilities, enable efficient mission execution. The Alpha rocket, currently the only operational one-metric-ton-class launch vehicle, is optimized for high mass-to-orbit performance, allowing Firefly to provide affordable, flexible, and rapid launch solutions.
By securing this contract, Firefly Aerospace reinforces its contributions in tactically responsive space, supporting the U.S. military’s evolving space defense strategy.
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