On the night of 11 on 12 March 2026 In 2018, Firefly Aerospace carried out the seventh launch of its Alpha rocket and successfully launched a demonstration payload from Lockheed Martin into orbit. The mission was named "Ladder to Seven" and was the seventh launch of the Alpha light-class launch vehicle. According to representatives of the company, it was of particular importance to demonstrate the reliable operation of this system. Engineers conducted large-scale studies of its production processes, assembly and testing, to ensure the required level of quality and reliability.
For reference: Firefly Aerospace — this a private American aerospace company (headquartered in Texas), which develops light launch vehicles («Alpha») and space vehicles («Blue Ghost») for delivering cargo to orbit and the Moon.
The seventh flight of Alpha is an important step before the eighth, which will be even more important, because it is during it that they plan to use a new version of the missile — Block II — for the first time. Currently, the engineering team is working on the final stages of preparation for its launch. The new rocket will be on 2,1 m longer, more powerful and much more reliable. in addition, it will use Firefly Aerospace's new integrated battery and avionics suite, will have an improved thermal protection system and strong carbon composite construction.
Since its foundation in 2017 Firefly Aerospace has come a long way this year. It is the only private company, which managed to put the satellite into orbit only for 24 hours after receiving an appropriate order from the US government. Thanks to this, it became an important partner in the military sphere. in addition, it remains the only private company, which was able to successfully make a soft landing on the Moon, as well as one of the key players in the market of small and medium-sized rocket launchers.
Source: https://universemagazine.com