Next Generation Medium Launch Vehicle
Firefly Aerospace and Northrop Grumman are co-developing Eclipse, a new medium-lift launch vehicle that combines the best technologies, systems, and mission experience from both companies to fill a void in the global launch market. Eclipse will first launch from Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) with the ability to lift more than 16,000 kg to orbit in support of space station resupply missions, commercial spacecraft, national security missions, and scientific payloads for the domestic and international market. Designed for reusability, Eclipse is optimized for return to launch site (RTLS) and propulsive landing of the first stage.
Performance
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Payload LEO
16,300 kg
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Payload GTO
3,200 kg
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Payload TLI
2,300 kg
Dimensions
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Overall Length
59 m
194 ft
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Fairing Diameter
5.4 m
17.7 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
7x Miranda
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THRUST (VAC)
7,161 kN
1,610,000 lbf
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ISP (VAC)
305 sec
Stage 2
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ENGINE
1x Vira
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THRUST (VAC)
890 kN
200,000 lbf
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ISP (VAC)
328 sec
Built on the Success of Alpha and Antares
Eclipse is built upon the success of Firefly’s Alpha and Northrop Grumman’s Antares rocket with a significant leap in power, performance, and payload capacity. The launch vehicle utilizes scaled-up versions of Alpha’s patented tap-off cycle engines and carbon composite structures to reduce mass and lower costs while improving performance and reliability. Eclipse also retains the flight-proven avionics from the Antares program with additional upgrades, including a larger 5.4 meter payload fairing.
Carbon Composite Structures
High-strength, lightweight carbon composite airframe and tanks reduce vehicle mass and lift heavier payloads at a lower cost.
Patented Propulsion Technologies
Patented tap-off cycle architecture removes the need for excess engine components to reduce complexity and improve reliability.
Custom Payload Accommodations
Customizable 5 m-class fairing to support commercial, civil, national security, and international missions.
Co-Located Manufacturing & Testing
Manufacturing and testing co-located at Firefly's Texas Rocket Ranch to accelerate vehicle production.
Carbon Composite Structures
High-strength, lightweight carbon composite airframe and tanks reduce vehicle mass and lift heavier payloads at a lower cost.
Patented Propulsion Technologies
Patented tap-off cycle architecture removes the need for excess engine components to reduce complexity and improve reliability.
Custom Payload Accommodations
Customizable 5 m-class fairing to support commercial, civil, national security, and international missions.
Co-Located Manufacturing & Testing
Manufacturing and testing co-located at Firefly's Texas Rocket Ranch to accelerate vehicle production.
Launch on Eclipse
Eclipse manufacturing and testing is well underway with the first flight scheduled to launch as early as 2026. Get in touch to learn more about our Eclipse launch services.
Eclipse Progress
Miranda mission duty cycle complete with a 206 second hot fire, matching the longest engine burn during flight.