Firefly Aerospace Announces Extension of Multi-Launch Agreement with Lockheed Martin Through 2031

Firefly Aerospace announced on August 11, 2026, a two-year extension to its existing multi-launch agreement with Lockheed Martin, increasing the total launches to up to 25 through 2031. The contract utilizes Firefly’s Alpha Block II rocket configuration, which represents an upgraded version of the company’s Alpha vehicle. Firefly stated the Block II upgrade enhances manufacturability, reliability, and responsiveness to meet higher flight rates and customer demand for assured access to space.

The agreement highlights growing demand for dedicated launch services in the 1,000 kg payload class, as government and commercial customers seek greater control over launch schedules and direct delivery to preferred orbits. Firefly’s Alpha Block II is designed to support national security missions, commercial satellite launches, and tactically responsive space missions. The company also emphasized the rocket’s expanded deployable launch capabilities for hypersonic testing and international customers.

In addition to the launch agreement, Firefly and Lockheed Martin are collaborating with Seagate Space on sea-based launch solutions to enhance national security missions. The three companies are developing mission-application concepts and flight-demonstration projects using Seagate’s Gateway offshore launch platform. This sea-based facility, combined with Firefly’s Alpha rocket, aims to provide rapid, flexible access to space from diverse locations to meet evolving operational requirements.

Firefly Aerospace, founded in 2017, operates engineering, manufacturing, and test facilities in central Texas. The company describes itself as a provider of responsive space missions, citing its achievement as the first commercial company to launch a satellite with approximately 24-hour notice and the first to land on the Moon. Firefly’s vertical integration supports its small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles.