Firefly Aerospace extends Lockheed Martin agreement to 2031

Firefly Aerospace has extended its multi-launch agreement with Lockheed Martin through 2031. The partnership will utilize the Alpha Block II rocket configuration, which is intended to support up to 25 launches. This upgraded configuration aims to improve manufacturing, reliability, and responsiveness to meet growing demand in the 1,000-kg payload class from both commercial and government customers.

During a second-quarter earnings call, Firefly CEO Jason Kim announced that the debut of the Alpha Block II configuration, specifically for Alpha Flight 8, is now expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. The company is currently preparing for acceptance testing, followed by delivery to Vandenberg Space Force Base, static fire tests, and payload integration.

Firefly is also expanding its operational capabilities through sea-based launch solutions in collaboration with Seagate and plans to bring Launch Complex 3C online at the Esrange Space Center by 2028. The company reported that it has already sold the majority of its 2027 launch manifest.