Firefly Aerospace successfully carried out fire tests on the 2000 lb. Alpha rocket. The Ukraine-American collaboration follows a successful partnership deal between Polyakov's company and the US government. The rocket is currently in California at the Vandenberg Cosmodrome.
The engineers were carrying out the first flight stage tests. It would determine whether they were on track, especially regarding the Reaver engines. The engines went on for approximately 35 seconds each. The checks were for propulsion system stability, thrust vector control, and power. The test marks an important milestone towards the achievement of the maiden flight launch this fall.
The fire tests experienced some delays due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, the company is still optimistic that they will be able to keep the maiden launch date to later this fall.
Company plans
Max Polyakov foresees Firefly Aerospace going beyond spacecraft launches. He wants to spread his wings within the space industry to include satellite production and a host of other services.
The Dream competition by Firefly Aerospace increased public interest in the launch. Participants were encouraged to submit proposals for projects on devices that will be in the Alpha rocket during its launch.
Polyakov's Alpha rocket will launch into the low Earth orbit, carrying loads of up to 1000 kg. It will be running on Lighting-1 and Reaver-1 engines powered on a two-stage Oxygen and kerosene fuel system. The company projects to have at least two launches per month.
Other tests are underway to determine whether the firefly carrier can bring in satellites from orbit.
About Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace has been operating in the market since 2014. At its conception, the company was employing the use of innovative Solutions in Aerospace technology. The aim was to make launches into space less costly.
Unfortunately, things took a downturn for the company in 2016. They lost its principal financier, resulting in employees having to leave. The situation did not improve, and in 2017 the company had to file for bankruptcy.
A reprieve came represented by Max Polyakov - successful entrepreneur. In a $75 million deal, he bought the company and its remaining assets. By May 2018, the company had set up a research and development center, Firefly Aerospace, in Dnipro.
At the time of opening the center, Polyakov had more than 150 employees.
Firefly Aerospace, under Polyakov, is making inroads in space and rocket technology. It will be exciting to get the fruits of the collaboration between the American and Ukraine space engineers.
