Firefly Aerospace | Firefly Alpha Block 2 | QuickSounder Rocket Launch
Firefly Aerospace is scheduled to launch a Firefly Alpha Block 2 rocket as part of the QuickSounder mission. The launch is scheduled on 09/30/2026 00:00 UTC for the Earth Science mission launching from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. The status of the launch is Date/Time TBD. Don’t miss this exciting rocket launch! Watch the launch video of the Firefly Alpha Block 2 and experience the excitement for yourself.
Mission: QuickSounder
QuickSounder is the first satellite mission of the Near Earth Orbit Network (NEON) program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which aims to replace the current Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) series of polar orbit weather satellites. This pathfinder mission will demonstrate NOAA’s ability to launch a small satellite within 3 years, flying a refurbished Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) instrument to polar orbit.
Rocket: Firefly Alpha Block 2
Firefly Alpha (Firefly α) is a two-stage orbital expendable launch vehicle developed by the American aerospace company Firefly Aerospace to cover the commercial small satellite launch market. Alpha is intended to provide launch options for both full vehicle and ride share customers.
The Block 2 version features increased length and structural strength for both stages, optimized propellant tanks and consolidated in-house batteries and avionics.
Agency: Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is an American private aerospace firm based in Austin, Texas, that develops small and medium-sized launch vehicles for commercial launches to orbit.