Firefly Aerospace Announces Second Multi-Launch Agreement with L3Harris for up to 20 Alpha Launches

Rhea-AI Summary

Firefly Aerospace has announced a new multi-launch agreement with L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) for up to 20 launches on Firefly's Alpha rocket. This 5-year agreement, spanning from 2027 to 2031, includes two to four missions per year based on customer needs. It complements an existing agreement for three Alpha missions in 2026.

The Alpha rocket will launch L3Harris spacecraft into low-Earth orbit from Firefly's SLC-2 launch site at the Vandenberg Space Force Base. Alpha can support responsive space needs for both government and commercial customers, delivering satellites up to 1,030 kg directly to preferred orbits.

Firefly is accelerating vehicle production with a facility expansion in Briggs, Texas, featuring new automated technology that significantly reduces production time for Alpha's carbon composite structures.

Positive

• Secured a new multi-launch agreement for up to 20 Alpha rocket launches
• Extended partnership with L3Harris Technologies, a major aerospace company
• Potential for increased launch frequency (2-4 missions per year) from 2027 to 2031
• Expanded launch capabilities for satellites up to 1,030 kg
• Accelerated vehicle production with new facility expansion and automated technology

Negative

• None.

New 5-year agreement supports L3Harris' Space Business beyond Firefly's existing agreement for three L3Harris launches in 2026

CEDAR PARK, Texas, Aug. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Firefly Aerospace, Inc., an end-to-end space transportation company, today announced it signed a multi-launch agreement with L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) for up to 20 launches on Firefly's Alpha rocket, including two to four missions per year from 2027 to 2031 depending on customer needs. The new agreement is in addition to Firefly's existing multi-launch agreement with L3Harris for three Alpha missions in 2026.

"The Firefly team is proud to build on our existing relationship with L3Harris and serve as a long-term launch provider for their robust satellite systems," said Peter Schumacher, Interim CEO at Firefly Aerospace. "Firefly continues to see growing demand for Alpha's responsive small-lift services, and we're committed to providing a dedicated launch option that takes our customers directly to their preferred orbits."

Under the agreement, Firefly's Alpha rocket will launch L3Harris spacecraft into low-Earth orbit from Firefly's SLC-2 launch site at the Vandenberg Space Force Base. Alpha supports the responsive space needs of both government and commercial customers with the ability to provide direct, on-demand deliveries for satellites up to 1,030 kg.

Following the most recent Alpha launch for NASA, Firefly continues to accelerate vehicle production. The company's latest facility expansion in Briggs, Texas, including a new automated fiber placement machine, allows the team to rapidly build and test Alpha's carbon composite structures in a matter of days versus weeks.

About Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company with launch, lunar, and on-orbit services. Headquartered in central Texas, Firefly is a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners ("AEI") focused on delivering responsive, reliable, and affordable space access for government and commercial customers. Firefly's small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide the space industry with a single source for missions from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. For more information, visit www.fireflyspace.com.

Contact
press@fireflyspace.com

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SOURCE Firefly Aerospace, Inc.

FAQ

What is the new launch agreement between Firefly Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies (LHX)?

Firefly Aerospace signed a new multi-launch agreement with L3Harris Technologies (LHX) for up to 20 launches on Firefly's Alpha rocket, including two to four missions per year from 2027 to 2031, depending on customer needs.

How does this agreement complement Firefly's existing contract with L3Harris (LHX)?

This new agreement is in addition to Firefly's existing multi-launch agreement with L3Harris (LHX) for three Alpha missions scheduled in 2026.

What is the payload capacity of Firefly's Alpha rocket for L3Harris (LHX) launches?

Firefly's Alpha rocket can provide direct, on-demand deliveries for satellites up to 1,030 kg to low-Earth orbit for L3Harris (LHX) and other customers.

Where will the L3Harris (LHX) spacecraft be launched from under this agreement?

The L3Harris (LHX) spacecraft will be launched into low-Earth orbit from Firefly's SLC-2 launch site at the Vandenberg Space Force Base.

How is Firefly Aerospace improving its production capabilities for the Alpha rocket?

Firefly is accelerating vehicle production with a facility expansion in Briggs, Texas, including a new automated fiber placement machine that allows rapid building and testing of Alpha's carbon composite structures in days instead of weeks.