Edhat Staff
Update Vandenberg Space Force Base
October 2, 2022
Team Vandenberg launched multiple satellites to low Earth orbit aboard Firefly’s Alpha vehicle from Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex-2, Oct. 1, at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.
Col. Robert Long, Space Launch Delta commander, was the launch decision authority.
“Early this morning the Western Range helped make possible a historical small vehicle demonstration launch into low Earth orbit,” said Col. Robert Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander. “Once again, our outstanding Airmen and Guardian professionals continue to showcase flawless execution and teamwork alongside Firefly. We are proud of their accomplishment and look forward to future launches.”
The Alpha is an economical small satellite launch vehicle. Firefly had three educational payloads aboard and successfully inserted into an elliptical transfer orbit, coast to apogee, and performed a circularization burn.
For more information about the launch contact Space Launch Delta 30 Public Affairs or visit www.firefly.com.
Firefly Launch Scrubbed for Fourth Time
Update the edhat staff
September 30, 2022
Firefly Aerospace scrubbed their Friday launch from Vandenberg at the last minute.
It was scheduled to take place between midnight and 2:00 a.m. The countdown was taking place and around 12:50 a.m. all systems were go and launch was initiation. Just a few minutes later Firefly reported to abort at T-0.
“The vehicle went into auto abort after ignition. This is designed into the system to ensure safety. The team scrubbed tonight’s launch attempt and is reviewing data to determine our next launch window,” Firefly reported.
The next launch window is tentatively scheduled for Saturday morning.
After Rescheduling, Firefly Aerospace Plans Friday Launch
By the edhat staff
September 29, 2022
After at several cancellations due to weather, Firefly Aerospace is planning to launch from Vandenberg after midnight on Friday.
The primary launch window begins September 30, 12:01 AM – 2:00 AM, with a backup on Oct. 1st, 12:01 AM – 2:00 AM.
“Alpha Flight 2: To The Black is Firefly’s second technology demonstration flight that will attempt to launch multiple satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO) from our launch site (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Alpha will first insert into an elliptical transfer orbit, coast to apogee, and perform a circularization burn,” Firefly states.
This will be Firefly’s second rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base after their first launch exploded over a year ago. The first launch exploded about 2 minutes and 30 seconds after launching, sending debris into the backyards of residential homes as far as Orcutt. There were no reported injuries.
The private rocket company stated the rocket had experienced an anomaly during the first stage ascent.
The second attempt was scheduled for September 11 and rescheduled to the following day due to a drop in helium pressure, then rescheduled two more times due to weather.
Firefly Alpha is designed to address the needs of the burgeoning small–satellite market.
Video of the launch can be seen below:
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