Ready for Launch
Firefly’s Alpha rocket is the only operational U.S. 1-ton launcher and the first commercial rocket to launch a satellite to orbit with just 24-hour notice. Firefly has since made responsive launch the baseline operations for Alpha in support of dedicated satellites, multi-payload deployments, and hypersonic testing. Alpha can be launched domestically from Firefly’s east and west coast U.S. launch sites and internationally with a growing number of resilient launch sites, including the Esrange Space Center in Sweden. Firefly is also building a deployable launch system to enable sovereign Alpha launches from any location with just 7-day notice.
Performance
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PAYLOAD LEO
1,030 KG
LEO, 300 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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FAIRING HEIGHT
5 m
16.4 ft
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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 and tested at Firefly’s Rocket Ranch in Texas, Alpha is built with patented tap-off cycle engines, which reduces complexity with fewer parts and improves reliability compared to staged combustion or gas generator cycles. Firefly also utilizes advanced carbon fiber composites for Alpha’s entire airframe and linerless cryogenic propellant tanks, enabling a strong, lightweight vehicle with competitive pricing.
Carbon Composite 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 cycle engines.
"Test Like You Fly" Verification
Advancing mission assurance with robust acceptance testing for each critical component, engine, and vehicle stage.
Vertically Integrated Components
Scaling efficiencies and quality assurance using common components across all Firefly vehicle lines.
Carbon Composite 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 cycle engines.
"Test Like You Fly" Verification
Advancing mission assurance with robust acceptance testing for each critical component, engine, and vehicle stage.
Vertically Integrated Components
Scaling efficiencies and quality assurance using common components across all Firefly vehicle lines.
Responsive Launch Services
As the first rocket to launch with just 24-hour notice, Alpha is well-equipped to launch and deploy critical assets in response to dynamic changes in space, allowing our nation and allies to stay ahead of emerging threats. Alpha can also be paired with Firefly’s Elytra orbital vehicles to provide responsive in-space services, such as maneuverability, delivery, and space domain awareness across cislunar space.
Rapid Production & Testing
Automated in-house manufacturing and rapid, iterative testing to support responsive space missions.
Onsite Payload Processing
Dedicated facility with clean room to rapidly fuel, checkout, and integrate hypergolic spacecraft and SmallSats.
Deployable Launch Systems
Mobile infrastructure equipped to launch Alpha from any location with as little as seven-day notice.
On-Demand Launch
Proven ability to encapsulate, mate, launch, and deploy payloads with just 24-hour notice.
Rapid Production & Testing
Automated in-house manufacturing and rapid, iterative testing to support responsive space missions.
Onsite Payload Processing
Dedicated facility with clean room to rapidly fuel, checkout, and integrate hypergolic spacecraft and SmallSats.
Deployable Launch Systems
Mobile infrastructure equipped to launch Alpha from any location with as little as seven-day notice.
On-Demand Launch
Proven ability to encapsulate, mate, launch, and deploy payloads with just 24-hour notice.
Alpha Launch Feature
Alpha Flight 7 successfully launches and performs a stage two engine relight!
Launch on Alpha
Firefly is ramping up Alpha production and ready to launch your next mission. Alpha supports dedicated launches and rideshare missions with competitive pricing to customers’ preferred orbits. Get in touch to learn more.
