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2h ago

Firefly Alpha Booster Destroyed During Texas Test, Return to Flight Setback

The accident during acceptance testing followed FAA clearance after April’s in‑flight failure, prompting a review with no injuries reported.

A rocket engine test stand is seen while it was under construction in early 2024 at Firefly Aerospace's so-called Rocket Ranch facility near Briggs. An Alpha light-lift rocket being prepared for launch later this year exploded Monday afternoon at the facility.
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Overview

  • Firefly said the first stage for Alpha Flight 7 was lost during a test firing at its Briggs, Texas facility.
  • The booster was being readied for shipment to Vandenberg Space Force Base for a planned launch carrying a small Lockheed Martin satellite later this year.
  • All personnel were safe as safety protocols were executed, and teams are assessing the condition of the vertical test stand with no other facilities affected.
  • Flight 7 scheduling is now under review after the FAA cleared Alpha to resume launches following April’s plume‑induced heating issue and related corrective actions.
  • Firefly’s stock fell on the news, deepening losses since the company’s August IPO.