Fly the Lightning
Welcome everyone!
| Scheduled for UTC | 2023-12-22 17:32 |
|---|---|
| Scheduled for (local) | 2023-12-22 09:32 (PST) |
| Launch site | SLC-2W, Vandenberg SFB, California, USA |
| Launch provider | Firefly Aerospace |
| Launch vehicle | Alpha |
| Customer | Lockheed Martin |
| Payload | Electronically Steerable Antenna demo |
| Mission success criteria | Successful deployment of payload into LEO |
Livestreams
| Stream | Link |
|---|---|
| Firefly Aerospace | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMJv-54Dpcc |
| NASASpaceflight | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LItoeS3jrHg |
Stats
- This will be the 2nd launch for Firefly this year.
- This will be the 4th launch for Firefly overall.
Payload info:
Firefly’s Alpha rocket will launch Lockheed Martin’s new wideband Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) technology integrated on a Terran Orbital Nebula satellite bus. Developed within Lockheed Martin Space’s Ignite organization using a proprietary design, the ESA payload will demonstrate faster on-orbit sensor calibration to deliver rapid capabilities to U.S. warfighters. The ESA sensor is expected to calibrate in a fraction of the time it takes to operationalize traditional on-orbit sensors, which historically can take months to be powered on, fully calibrated and ready to perform their mission.
Target orbit: LEO
Please post small launch updates, discussions, and questions here! Also feel free to leave feedback or suggestions for the mod team. We’re still a relatively small sub, so feedback from the community is very valuable!
https://nitter.net/Firefly_Space/status/1737157610745241742#m
It’s L-1 for the Fly the Lightning mission on our Alpha #FLTA004 rocket! Fireflies are preparing for another rapid launch operation where the encapsulated payload fairing will be mated to the rocket just hours before liftoff. We’re hoping Mother Nature cooperates for a liftoff of @LockheedMartin’s payload tomorrow morning from @SLDelta30. Sign up for the livestream here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=QMJv-54Dpcc
Dec 19, 2023 · 5:07 PM UTC
Scrubbed due to weather: https://nitter.net/Firefly_Space/status/1737497640621748344#m
Today’s launch attempt of our Alpha rocket has been scrubbed due to weather conditions. Firefly will work with the range to determine our next launch opportunity – stay tuned for more details. #FLTA004 #FlyTheLighting
Dec 20, 2023 · 3:38 PM UTC
Rescheduled for Friday morning:
Our Alpha launch is rescheduled for Friday, Dec. 22 at 9:18 a.m. PST, following today’s scrub due to inclement weather. The rocket and payload remain healthy - we’re just waiting on Mother Nature! Livestream will begin T-60 minutes to liftoff. #FTLA004 #FlyTheLightning
Photo credit: Firefly Aerospace / @TrevorMahlmann
Dec 20, 2023 · 11:02 PM UTC
Firefly’s social media team coming through with a little christmas spirit:
Twas the morning of launch and all throughout the pad
The rocket is ready and no issues to be had.
Today’s T-0 for Alpha’s Fly the Lightning Mission is 9:32am PST. Tune in to the livestream, beginning an hour before launch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMJv-54Dpcc #FLTA004
Dec 22, 2023 · 2:19 PM UTC
Firefly webcast is live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMJv-54Dpcc
They seem to have partnered with NASASpaceflight.
https://spacenews.com/firefly-alpha-upper-stage-malfunction-puts-payload-into-wrong-orbit/
Firefly confirmed in a statement 12 hours after launch that the second stage malfunctioned.
The article source seems to be Firefly’s twitter post and website article:
Following SECO 1, Alpha’s scheduled stage two engine relight did not deliver the payload to its precise target orbit.
It’s a bit ambiguous whether the second stage relit but the burn was cut short, or whether no relight took place. Perhaps they don’t know yet themselves.
Weather was only 40%, but improving.
Weather is currently green for launch.
Propellant loading is underway, and weather is still looking good: https://nitter.net/Firefly_Space/status/1738243781747519699#m
Go no-go poll complete. They are go for launch!
It’s sounding like the 2nd stage didn’t relight.
https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1738316888252285439?s=20
I was wondering why Firefly’s social media was so quiet… I’m glad Officer McDowell is on the case!
Shame about the 2nd stage and the elliptical orbit. How long does LOx takes to boil off from a stage of this size? I don’t think it was insulated like the Falcon Heavy GEO 2nd stages are. I imagine the LOx is gone by now.
I wonder, will Lockheed Martin will be able to get any useful data from their payload despite this? They’ll obviously have much less time to work with, as the orbit will decay pretty quickly.
Liftoff!
Strongback retract.
Final T-2 minute go no-go poll complete. Go for launch!
Max-Q!
MECO, stage separation, stage 2 ignition, and fairing separation!