0
Total Launches
0%
Success Rate
The Story
Firefly Aerospace has lived more lives than most companies. Founded in 2014, it went bankrupt in 2017, was acquired and relaunched under new ownership, failed its first launch in 2021, and finally reached orbit on its second attempt in 2022 — achieving in two flights what took some competitors a decade. The Alpha rocke...
In short
“Firefly's second Alpha launch worked. Not many companies get a second chance after bankruptcy and a failed first flight — and fewer still use it this cleanly.”
Alpha can deliver up to 1,030 kg to LEO — filling the gap between Electron (300 kg) and Falcon 9 (22,800 kg)
Firefly's Reaver engine burns liquid oxygen and RP-1 and produces 180,000 lb of thrust at sea level
Blue Ghost will deliver 10 NASA payloads to the lunar surface in one mission
Firefly went from bankruptcy to orbit in under 5 years — one of the fastest turnarounds in launch history
Milestones
2014
Founded
Tom Markusic, former SpaceX and Virgin Galactic engineer, establishes Firefly Aerospace
2017
Bankruptcy and rebirth
Files for bankruptcy; acquired and relaunched under new leadership
2021
First Alpha launch
Reaches Max-Q before range safety termination
2022
Orbit achieved
Alpha's second launch successfully reaches orbit
2023
NASA CLPS contract
Wins contract for Blue Ghost lunar lander mission
2024
Northrop Grumman partnership
Partners to co-develop Medium Launch Vehicle
Key People
What's Next
The road ahead for Firefly Aerospace
The Blue Ghost lunar lander — built under NASA's CLPS programme — is Firefly's most high-profile near-term mission, targeting the Moon's Mare Crisium. The Medium Launch Vehicle partnership with Northrop Grumman could transform Firefly from a small-launch company into a genuine mid-tier player.