Firefly Aerospace is all set to launch its Alpha rocket for the fifth time ever, and this time it will be sending eight cubesats to orbit. The mission, named “Noise of Summer,” is scheduled to take off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 12:03 a.m. EDT. You can watch the launch live on Firefly’s webcast with NASASpaceflight.com.
These eight cubesats were selected through NASA’s Cubesat Launch Initiative, which supports satellites developed by U.S. colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations. The teams behind these cubesats come from the University of Arizona, the University of Kansas, the University of Maine, the University of Washington, Teachers in Space, and two NASA facilities.
“Noise of Summer” is not just about launching cubesats; it’s also a demonstration of Firefly’s ability to quickly respond to launch directives. The company aims to show that they can efficiently transport the payload fairing to the launch pad and mate it to the Alpha rocket within hours of the scheduled liftoff, unlike the typical weeks-long process.
Firefly has previously showcased its rapid response capabilities with the “Victus Nox” mission for the U.S. Space Force in just 27 hours after receiving the order. Despite facing setbacks in their earlier missions, Firefly is determined to improve and succeed in their upcoming launches.
The Alpha rocket had a challenging start with a failed test flight in 2021, but it has shown progress with successful missions in the past. In December last year, it delivered a payload to orbit, marking a significant achievement for Firefly.
As Firefly Aerospace continues to push boundaries in the space industry, the “Noise of Summer” mission is another step towards their goal of making space more accessible for various organizations and institutions. Stay tuned for more updates on rocket launches, space missions, and exciting developments in the world of space exploration.
