Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY), a market leading space and defense technology company, today announced a two-year contract extension of its multi-launch agreement with Lockheed Martin, utilizing its Alpha Block II rocket configuration for up to 25 launches through 2031. Firefly and Lockheed Martin are further collaborating on sea-based launch solutions with Seagate Space to enhance national security missions. The three companies are working together on mission-application concepts and flight-demonstration projects that leverage Seagate’s Gateway offshore launch platform. This sea-based launch facility, combined with Firefly’s responsive Alpha launch vehicle, will provide rapid, flexible access to space from diverse locations to support the warfighter’s evolving operational requirements.
“This extension reflects Firefly’s continued support to Lockheed Martin and their critical missions anchored by our Block II configuration, which is the next evolution of our launch capabilities,” said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “As we upgrade to Alpha Block II, we’re increasing the manufacturability, reliability, and responsiveness of our rockets to support a higher flight rate and provide assured access to space when our customers need it most. This upgraded configuration allows us to increase Alpha’s production rate and fills a void at a time when launch options are in high demand, but payload capacity is scarce and launch site diversity is limited.”
The agreement extension underscores the growing demand for dedicated launch services in the 1,000 kg payload class as government and commercial customers seek greater control over launch schedules and direct delivery to their preferred orbits. With the Alpha Block II upgrade, Firefly is well positioned to support a broader class of national security and commercial missions that require responsive space access. In addition to improving reliability and production rate, Block II is designed to expand Alpha’s deployable launch capabilities for tactically responsive space missions, hypersonic testing, and commercial satellite launches for domestic and international customers.
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for responsive space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with approximately 24-hour notice and the first to achieve a successful landing on the Moon. Established in 2017, Firefly’s engineering, manufacturing, and test facilities are co-located in central Texas to enable rapid innovation and vertical integration for the company’s small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles.
