L3Harris Selects Firefly To Launch US National Security Satellites

Firefly Aerospace has signed an agreement with L3Harris Technologies to conduct three dedicated missions on Firefly's Alpha rocket.

The satellites are currently being designed and constructed by L3Harris, under a $225 million contract awarded by the U.S. government. The satellites are slated to play a vital role in supporting the national security space mission.

"Firefly is honored to support the ongoing mission needs of L3Harris as they continue to deliver satellite systems that advance our national security," - Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace

In anticipation of these launches and in response to increasing demand, Firefly Aerospace is scaling up its production of the Alpha rocket at its manufacturing and testing facility located in Briggs, Texas. This expansion is intended to support both government and commercial launches, demonstrating Firefly's commitment to meeting the growing needs of the space launch industry. 

The agreement outlines that the three dedicated launches on the Alpha rocket are scheduled for 2026 and are set to launch from Firefly's Space Launch Complex SLC-2 at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Firefly's Alpha rocket is specifically designed to transport payloads of more than 1,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit and is launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

L3Harris Technologies, on the other hand, specializes in the development and construction of satellites for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the intelligence community.

The partnership between Firefly Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies marks a significant step forward in advancing the capabilities of the Alpha rocket and strengthening national security through the deployment of cutting-edge satellite systems.