LAUNCH CENTER

Launch Image
Success
Fri Sep 15 2023
Firefly Aerospace

FLTA003 (VICTUS NOX)

Launch Successful
LAUNCH PREVIEW

Launch Time

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(2:28 AM UTC)

Launch Window Start

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(1:57 AM UTC)

Launch Window End

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(3:19 AM UTC)

RECOVERY OVERVIEW

Location

No Recovery Specified

Type

No Recovery Specified

Rocket Details

Name:

Firefly Alpha

Description:

Firefly Alpha (Firefly α) is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle developed by the American aerospace company Firefly Aerospace to cover the commercial small satellite launch market. Alpha is intended to provide launch options for both full-vehicle and ride-share customers.

Firefly Alpha rocket
MISSION OVERVIEW
  • Type: Government/Top Secret
  • Third flight of the Firefly Alpha small sat launcher, carrying a payload for the US Department of Defense.
  • <h2>The Purpose</h2><p>The purpose of the "VICTUS NOX" mission is to demonstrate rapidly deployable space launch options for the United States Dept. Of Defence. </p><p></p><h2>How Does RDSL Work?</h2><p>Rapidly Deployable Space Launch has been talked about for decades, and is something the US Space Force is especially interested in. In practice, it would allow the United States to launch a payload at 24 hours notice to support a time of conflict. </p><p>For this demonstration, the DoD "calls" Firefly with a launch order, as soon as it is received, teams spring into action and begin integrating the classified payload, preparing to attach it to Alpha, and prepare for launch, all in less than a day. </p><p></p><p>The call comes at any point during a multi-month period, and Firefly must be able to launch in the designated period (unless there is a valid concern not to - weather, vehicle issues, etc.).</p>
COMPLEX OVERVIEW

Location

Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

Pad

Space Launch Complex 2W