Particle.news
Download on the App Store
6 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

Firefly Loses Alpha Flight 7 Booster in Ground-Test Explosion in Texas

The loss undercuts plans for Alpha’s return to service following FAA clearance after an April failure.

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.
Image

Overview

  • Firefly confirmed the first stage of the Alpha Flight 7 rocket was destroyed during a test on the Briggs, Texas, stand, with no injuries reported.
  • Crews are assessing damage to the test stand as other operations continue at the Rocket Ranch facility.
  • Videos from nearby observers showed a fireball, two blasts and a column of black smoke rising over the site.
  • The booster was being prepared for shipment to Vandenberg Space Force Base for a planned Lockheed Martin satellite launch later this year.
  • The setback follows FAA approval in late August to resume Alpha launches after April’s failure, as Firefly’s stock fell following the news and the company’s August IPO.