Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 QuickSounder
Firefly Alpha Block 2
Status
TBD
Date
15 FEB 2027
00:00
Mission Overview
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
Mission Type
Earth Science
Orbit
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
Stages
2
Livestream
Not availableRocket Details
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.
Height
31.6 m
Diameter
1.82 m
Launch Mass
54 T
Thrust
736 kN