The US Space Force's 'Victus Nox' mission launched aboard a Firefly Alpha rocket that lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
— Firefly Aerospace "Today was an incredible success for the Space Force, the Firefly team, and our nation after nailing this complex responsive space mission," Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, explained in the statement. "Our combined commercial and government team executed the mission with record speed, agility, and flexibility, adding a critical capability to address national security needs.
Within 24 hours after receiving the notice to launch, Firefly completed launch preparations, including trajectory software updates, payload encapsulation, and fueling.Firefly and Millenium were selected last year for the Victus Nox mission. On August 30, both companiesthey were on "hot standby" for the mission and could receive an alert from the Space Force at any time.
When they did get notice, the teams transported the Alpha rocket 165 miles from Millennium’s El Segundo facility to Vandenberg Space Force Base, where it was tested, fueled, and mated to the launch adapter. "I'm 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," Adam Oakes, VP of Launch Vehicles at Firefly Aerospace, explained. "As our third flight, this mission further validates Firefly's technology rigor, passion, and dedication that's required to prevail as the leading responsive launch provider for both government and commercial customers.
Firefly had 24 hours to get Alpha ready for launch. It was ready within that window and flew to orbit just 27 hours after the company received the call. The rocket flew for the first time on October 1, 2022, for a flight
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