{"id":8190,"date":"2023-09-18T17:58:46","date_gmt":"2023-09-18T09:58:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/firefly-aerospace-successfully-launches-u-s-space-force-victus-nox-space-mission\/"},"modified":"2023-09-18T17:58:46","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T09:58:46","slug":"firefly-aerospace-successfully-launches-u-s-space-force-victus-nox-space-mission","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/firefly-aerospace-successfully-launches-u-s-space-force-victus-nox-space-mission\/","title":{"rendered":"Firefly Aerospace Successfully Launches U.S. Space Force VICTUS NOX Space Mission"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Firefly<\/p>\n

Firefly Aerospace, an end-to-end space transportation company, announced the company successfully launched its Alpha rocket and deployed the VICTUS NOX spacecraft following a 24-hour notice to complete final payload operations and mission preparations. Led by the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command\u2019s (SSC) Space Safari Program Office and in close partnership with the Rocket Systems Launch Program, the mission advances the nation\u2019s capability to rapidly respond to on-orbit needs during a conflict or in response to a national security threat.<\/p>\n

Upon receiving the launch and orbit requirements notice from the U.S. Space Force, Firefly completed all final launch preparations, including trajectory software updates, payload encapsulation, transport to the launch pad, mating to Alpha, and fueling, within 24 hours. Alpha then launched at the first available window, 27 hours after receipt of launch orders.<\/p>\n

The flight began with a nominal countdown and liftoff at 7:28 p.m. PDT on September 14 and progressed seamlessly through each stage of flight, including stage one main engine cutoff (MECO), stage separation, and stage two ignition. Alpha then deployed the Millennium Space Systems satellite at the target destination in low Earth orbit. Firefly also successfully tested an Alpha stage two relight and targeted re-entry.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday was an incredible success for the Space Force, the Firefly team, and our nation after nailing this complex responsive space mission,\u201d said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace<\/strong>. \u201cOur combined commercial and government team executed the mission with record speed, agility, and flexibility, adding a critical capability to address national security needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Firefly Alpha FLTA003 VICTUS NOX Payload Deployment.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud of this team for completing these critical mission milestones and successfully launching in a matter of hours rather than weeks or months in a typical operation,\u201d said Adam Oakes, VP of Launch Vehicles at Firefly Aerospace<\/strong>. \u201cAs our third flight, this mission further validates Firefly\u2019s technology rigour, passion, and dedication that\u2019s required to prevail as the leading responsive launch provider for both government and commercial customers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe success of the VICTUS NOX mission not only proves a key aspect of the United States\u2019 TacRS capability but provides true utility to the warfighter,\u201d said Col. Bryon McClain, Program Executive Officer for the Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power directorate<\/strong>, which oversees SSC\u2019s Space Safari program office. \u201cWorking closely with our Assured Access to Space team and industry partners, the Space Safari team continues to demonstrate how TacRS enables us to quickly respond to urgent on-orbit needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building on this success, Firefly is ramping up Alpha production and testing for multiple upcoming launches, including missions supporting Lockheed Martin, NASA, the NRO, and more.<\/p>\n