Lockheed Martin and Firefly Aerospace inked a deal that would allow for up to 25 launches of the business’s Alpha rocket by 2029. As per the terms of this agreement, Firefly will regularly launch a range of future Lockheed Martin spacecraft from its facilities on the east and west coasts into low-Earth orbit, including novel payload technologies.
Lockheed Martin gains from Firefly’s less expensive launch vehicle, which lowers risk for the business’s independently funded technological demonstration missions and opens the door for other initiatives. The agreement also establishes the advantages of a long-term collaboration between the two businesses and permits a consistent manifest that fosters ongoing development and investment in technology.
Our objective is to expedite the delivery of innovative technological solutions that have been tested in flight and are prepared to support our clients’ vital space missions. “We can demonstrate our technologies on orbit by expanding our launch service options,” stated Bob Behnken, head of Lockheed Martin Space’s Ignite Technology Acceleration. “This agreement with Firefly solidifies our strategic partnership and will help us continue to deliver new advanced capabilities that keep our armed forces and allies ahead of ready.”
Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, stated, “Firefly appreciates Lockheed Martin’s confidence in our rapid launch capability and support to drive critical missions for years to come.” “The Firefly team has greatly reduced our launch procedures and increased Alpha production and testing to fly Alpha more frequently and responsively – enabling us to continue delivering the one metric ton rocket the industry demands.”
