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Fly the Lightning

completedLaunch 2023-202
Launched 12/22/2023LEOService CSat LEO O
Admin Edit
Payloads
Assets deployed on this mission, enriched from spacecraft records.
1 payload
TANTRUM
retired
Technology Demonstration
LEO
Launch Details
Launch Date
12/22/2023
Launch ID
2023-202
Launch Profile
Sat LEO O
Service Type
C
Orbit
LEO
Launch Stack
Operator
Firefly Aerospace
Launch Vehicle
Firefly Alpha
Launch Site
Vandenberg Space Force Base, CaliforniaUS
Payload Summary
Payload Count
1
Payload Status
retired 1
Payload Mission Types
Technology Demonstration 1
Track
Mentions
9
All verified mentions of this mission in source documents.

Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha upper stage experienced a software glitch that prevented it from completing a second burn during the 2023-12-22 Fly the Lightning mission.

CapabilityPlanValue 4.0Feb 20, 2024Software problem blamed for Firefly Alpha mishap

Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha FLTA004 Fly the Lightning mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than 2023-12-20 with backup dates through 2023-12-22 and a daily 20-minute launch window opening at 9:18 am PST.

PlanValue 4.2Dec 19, 2023Firefly Aerospace ready to Launch Alpha FLTA004 for no earlier than December 20

Fly the Lightning will further demonstrate responsive space capabilities by tracking and improving the total working hours required from payload receival to launch readiness compared to Alpha FLTA003 VICTUS NOX.

CapabilityValue 3.0Dec 19, 2023Firefly Aerospace ready to Launch Alpha FLTA004 for no earlier than December 20

Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha FLTA004 Fly the Lightning mission is prepared to launch no earlier than 2023-12-20 with backup dates through 2023-12-22, depending on local weather.

PlanValue 4.2Dec 19, 2023Firefly Aerospace Prepares to Launch Alpha FLTA004 Mission for Lockheed Martin

Fly the Lightning will launch from Firefly’s SLC-2 complex at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

PlanGeneralValue 4.0Dec 19, 2023Firefly Aerospace Prepares to Launch Alpha FLTA004 Mission for Lockheed Martin

Fly the Lightning will launch from Firefly’s SLC-2 complex at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

PlanValue 4.0Dec 19, 2023Firefly Aerospace ready to Launch Alpha FLTA004 for no earlier than December 20

Fly the Lightning will launch from Firefly’s SLC-2 complex at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

PlanGeneralValue 4.0Dec 18, 2023Firefly Aerospace Ready to Launch Alpha FLTA004 for Lockheed Martin No Earlier Than December 20

The Fly the Lightning mission will deploy an Electronically Steered Antenna payload developed by Lockheed Martin.

CapabilityRelationshipsPlanValue 4.0Dec 18, 2023Firefly Aerospace Ready to Launch Alpha FLTA004 for Lockheed Martin No Earlier Than December 20

Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha FLTA004 Fly the Lightning mission was prepared to launch no earlier than 2023-12-20 with backup dates through 2023-12-22.

PlanValue 4.0Dec 18, 2023Firefly Aerospace Ready to Launch Alpha FLTA004 for Lockheed Martin No Earlier Than December 20