Mission Summary

Alpha Flight 7 will test and validate key systems ahead of Firefly’s Block II configuration upgrade on Flight 8 that’s designed to enhance reliability and manufacturability across the vehicle.

The Block II configuration includes a 7-foot increase to Alpha’s length, consolidated batteries and avionics built in house, an enhanced thermal protection system, and stronger carbon composite structures built with automated machinery.

Flight 7 will be the last flown in Alpha’s current configuration and will test multiple Block II subsystems, including the in-house avionics and thermal improvements, to gain flight heritage and validate lessons learned ahead of the full configuration upgrade on Flight 8.

Mission Updates

January 29, 2026 – Alpha Vertical on the Launch Pad

After completing integration of Alpha’s first and second stage, Firefly’s Flight 7 vehicle is now vertical on the launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The team is getting ready for the static fire test next where we’ll fuel up the rocket and fire our four Reaver engines to confirm all systems are go before launch.

January 8, 2026 – Alpha Flight 7 Arrives at Vandenberg 

The first stage of Firefly’s Alpha rocket for Flight 7 arrived safely at Vandenberg Space Force Base after shipping out from Firefly’s Rocket Ranch in Texas. Up next: Integration of the first stage with Alpha’s second stage, which was previously delivered to Vandenberg. Then the Alpha team will roll the integrated vehicle out to the launch pad for a static fire test before launch in the coming weeks.

November 12, 2025 – Following a thorough review of the Alpha Flight 7 first stage ground test on September 29, Firefly identified a process error during stage one integration that resulted in a minute hydrocarbon contamination, which then led to a combustion event in one of the engines during the ground test. The test stand structure remained intact and no other facilities were impacted.

“Naturally, moments like these create opportunities to enhance Firefly’s culture and focus on the fundamentals that are required to navigate through the complexities of rocket systems,” said Adam Oakes, Vice President of Launch at Firefly Aerospace.

Firefly immediately took action and implemented corrective actions, which included increasing inspection requirements for the fluid systems, optimizing the first stage sensors, and incorporating additional automated aborts. Firefly also implemented key process improvements following a daylong quality standdown where the production, integration, and test teams conducted exercises to review and optimize existing procedures. As part of Firefly’s effort to improve reliability and quality, the team will continue to hold regular exercises for sustained process enhancements.

“This incident was not caused by a design issue, but rather a process error during a routine integration,” said Jordi Paredes Garcia, Chief Engineer at Firefly Aerospace. “As launch providers, our industry recognizes the impact even the smallest of errors can have, and that’s why at Firefly we rigorously test before we fly. Looking ahead, we are fully committed to staying diligent as a team and finding innovative ways to improve our processes daily.”

As the path forward, Firefly is utilizing another Alpha first stage from its production line to support the Flight 7 mission. The second stage has already been delivered to Firefly’s Space Launch Complex (SLC) 2 at the Vandenberg Space Force Base, and the first stage is now being prepared for shipment. As part of Firefly’s test campaign ahead of each launch, the team will then conduct a static fire test at SLC 2 prior to Flight 7, which is targeted between late fourth quarter and early first quarter, depending on range availability. Firefly will have more details to share on the mission in the coming weeks.

The team is concurrently upgrading the Alpha stage test stand at Firefly’s Briggs facility, which is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2026.

*Alpha stage test stand at Firefly’s facility in Briggs, Texas, captured October 2025

September 29, 2025 – During testing at Firefly’s facility in Briggs, Texas, the first stage of Firefly’s Alpha Flight 7 rocket experienced an event that resulted in a loss of the stage. Proper safety protocols were followed, and all personnel are safe. The company is assessing the impact to its stage test stand, and no other facilities were impacted. Regular testing is part of Firefly’s philosophy – we test each critical component, engine, and vehicle stage to ensure it operates within our flight requirements before we ship to the launch pad. We learn from each test to improve our designs and build a more reliable system. We will share more information on the path forward at a later date.