Ready for Launch
Alpha provides affordable, responsive, and reliable launch services for commercial, civil, and national security missions. As the only orbital rocket ready to take customers to space in its small-lift launch class, Alpha combines the highest payload performance with the lowest cost per kilogram to orbit. Firefly supports flexible launch options with dedicated launch facilities at the Vandenberg Space Force Base and a new facility coming soon at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Performance
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PAYLOAD LEO
1,030 KG
LEO, 200 km
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Payload SSO
630 KG
SSO, 500 km
Dimensions
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OVERALL LENGTH
29.48 m
96.7 ft
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PAYLOAD FAIRING HEIGHT
5 m
16.4 ft
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PAYLOAD FAIRING DIAMETER
2.2 m
7.2 ft
Propulsion
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PROPELLANT
LOX / RP–1
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PROPELLANT FEED
Turbopump
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COMBUSTION
Tap-off cycle
Stage 1
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Engine
4x Reaver
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THRUST (VAC)
801 kN
180,072 lbf
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ISP (VAC)
295.6 sec
Stage 2
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ENGINE
1x Lightning
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THRUST (VAC)
70.1 kN
15,759 lbf
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ISP (VAC)
322 sec
Repeatable Reliability for Your Mission
Manufactured entirely in the USA, Alpha utilizes our patented tap-off engine cycle, which reduces complexity with fewer parts and improves reliability compared to staged combustion or gas generator cycles. We also utilize advanced carbon composite technologies for Alpha’s entire airframe and cryogenic propellant tanks, enabling a strong, lightweight vehicle at value prices.
All Composites Structures
Lifting heavier payloads at a lower cost with high-strength, lightweight carbon fiber composites.
Patented Propulsion Technologies
Improving reliability with simple, high-performance tap-off engine cycle.
“Test What You Fly” Verification
Advancing mission assurance with robust acceptance testing for each critical flight component, engine, and vehicle stage.
Vertically Integrated Components
Scaling efficiencies and quality assurance with common components across all Firefly vehicle lines.
All Composites Structures
Lifting heavier payloads at a lower cost with high-strength, lightweight carbon fiber composites.
Patented Propulsion Technologies
Improving reliability with simple, high-performance tap-off engine cycle.
“Test What You Fly” Verification
Advancing mission assurance with robust acceptance testing for each critical flight component, engine, and vehicle stage.
Vertically Integrated Components
Scaling efficiencies and quality assurance with common components across all Firefly vehicle lines.
Responsive Launch & On-Orbit Services
As an end-to-end space transportation company, Firefly has a unique advantage to quickly launch, restore, and service satellites on-orbit in response to dynamic changes in space, ranging from national security threats to commercial satellite failures. Equipped to launch with just 24-hour notice, Alpha can be paired with our Elytra vehicle to support responsive on-orbit missions post-launch, such as relocation, space domain awareness, and de-orbiting services.
Rapid Vehicle Production & Testing
Supporting rapid mission schedules with in-house manufacturing and rapid, iterative testing capabilities.
Onsite Payload Processing
Dedicated facility equipped with a clean room at our launch site to fuel hypergolic spacecraft and integrate payloads.
On-Demand Launch
Ability to encapsulate, mate, and launch payloads within 24 hours of receiving notice and the orbit requirements.
On-Orbit Mobility & Operations
On-orbit hosting, deployments, transfers, and servicing when and where customers need it.
Rapid Vehicle Production & Testing
Supporting rapid mission schedules with in-house manufacturing and rapid, iterative testing capabilities.
Onsite Payload Processing
Dedicated facility equipped with a clean room at our launch site to fuel hypergolic spacecraft and integrate payloads.
On-Demand Launch
Ability to encapsulate, mate, and launch payloads within 24 hours of receiving notice and the orbit requirements.
On-Orbit Mobility & Operations
On-orbit hosting, deployments, transfers, and servicing when and where customers need it.
Launch on Alpha
Firefly is ramping up Alpha production and ready to launch your next mission. Alpha supports dedicated launches and rideshare missions for customers with flexible destination orbits and launch dates. Get in touch to learn more about our low-cost launch services.
